vanilla

[vuh-nil-uh, -nel-uh] / vəˈnɪl ə, -ˈnɛl ə /

ADJECTIVE

simple, unadorned

Synonyms

STRONG

clean plain rustic

WEAK

austere elementary folksy homely humble inelaborate mid modest pure and simple uncluttered uncomplicated undecorated unelaborate unembellished unornamented unostentatious unpretentious your basic

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 Hartford fund also benefits from diversification, with exposure that goes beyond plain vanilla U.S.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Then warmth: a drop of vanilla, a whisper of cinnamon, a dusting of cardamom or ginger.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

Despite the heavy breathing, Heathcliff and Catherine’s chemistry is pretty vanilla.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

The last great decade for popular culture because everything since then has become quite vanilla.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

He hands me one of the cupcakes and says, “I got you a vanilla and me chocolate,” and then takes a big bite out of his cupcake.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick

Vocabulary lists containing vanilla

White

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National Cookie Day

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

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