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Definitions

no-frills

[noh-frilz] / ˈnoʊˌfrɪlz /
ADJECTIVE
basic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
elemental essential key main necessary primary primitive underlying vital
STRONG
capital central chief principal radical
WEAK
basal indispensable inherent intrinsic substratal
Antonyms
STRONGEST
auxiliary inessential insignificant minor nonessential secondary unimportant unnecessary
STRONG
extra
WEAK
additional outside peripheral
ADJECTIVE
plain
Synonyms
STRONGEST
austere pure simple stark unvarnished
STRONG
bare clean dry muted restrained spartan vanilla
WEAK
bare-bones discreet modest severe stripped down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
indefinite
WEAK
abnormal abstruse ambiguous attractive beautiful complex complicated decorated difficult dressed-up embellished extraordinary formal hidden imperceptible incomprehensible intricate obscure obscured ornate pretty unclear uncommon vague
ADJECTIVE
unembellished
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bare-bones basic plain unadorned undecorated
Antonyms
WEAK
adorned decorated embellished fancy ornate
NOUN
basics
Synonyms
STRONG
ABC's elements essentials foundation nitty-gritty principles rudiments
WEAK
bare bones brass tacks first steps nuts and bolts the three R's
NOUN
nuts and bolts
Synonyms
WEAK
bare bones basic details basics brass tacks essentials fundamentals innards inner workings mechanics nitty-gritty no frills practical details practicalities workings
NOUN
bare-bones
Synonyms
WEAK
basic facts basics core essential elements frame skeleton undercarriage

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation told French news agency AFP that the private burial will be "no frills" and "without fuss", in keeping with her spirit.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2026

"We'll celebrate at home, modestly, with no frills," she said.

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

Two kinds of beef: chuck and sirloin, each cut into tidy cubes, no frills.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2025

There are no frills beyond a sprinkle or two, no trendy flavors to be found.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2023

As a rule, the giants of that day were plain men of the people, with no frills upon them, and with a way of hitting from the shoulder.

From Eben Holden, a tale of the north country by Bacheller, Irving