vanilla

adjective

Definition of vanillanext
as in boring
lacking in distinctive features or qualities a plain vanilla version of a song that's been recorded more times than necessary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vanilla The court has ruled that the companies must develop a new product formula that does not include vanilla derived from non-vanilla plant sources within 12 months of the settlement’s finalization, according to the news release. — Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 30 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vanilla
  1. boring
  2. neutral
  3. beige
  4. nondescript
  5. featureless
Adjective
  • Let’s start with tracking Savu, where, because of the tiny tribes, the most obvious and boring thing ends up happening.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Smith is betting that in a market where every phone looks the same, the bigger risk is being boring.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • Piper Sandler downgrades Deckers to underweight from neutral The firm sees too many headwinds ahead.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Although black proved to be the most popular choice, most Salomon pairs (at least those in neutral colorways) tend to go with pretty much anything, from jeans to track pants to pleated miniskirts.
    — Nuria Luis, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of neutral
Adjective
  • What makes this particular revival interesting isn't simply that another beige computer has returned from the dead.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2026
  • How to choose the right butternut squash Squash should have a uniform beige color and the surface should be matte, not glossy.
    — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of beige
Adjective
  • In December 2025, SAPD property crimes Detective Nathan Zachary recommended using a drive-through when possible and concealing cash in a purse or nondescript bag rather than carrying it in a bank envelope.
    — Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Despite celebrating his album’s release with friends the night before, Quavo arrives early to the nondescript downtown Los Angeles studio with no entourage in sight.
    — Mikey Fresh, VIBE.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of nondescript
Adjective
  • In the satellite photo, the woods were more or less featureless except for the town line, superimposed in yellow over the treetops, and a blue dot, me, on top of that yellow line.
    — James Whorton Jr, Longreads, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The small army at Kostabi World turned out images of featureless characters moving through strange, otherworldly scenes, caught between intimacy, alienation, and the discomfort of contemporary life.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of featureless

Browse Nearby Words

vanguards
vanilla
vanish
See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Vanilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanilla. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vanilla

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