as in boring
lacking in distinctive features or qualities
a plain vanilla version of a song that's been recorded more times than necessary
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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
See All Example Sentences for vanilla
Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 30 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vanilla
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vanilla
Adjective
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Belief that your institution is exempt from the hard, functional and often boring parts of the job leads to a slow decline.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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Organizations that foster a culture of self-compassion can empower their employees to better navigate stress, maintain their well-being, and - perhaps boring but no less important - adhere to safety protocols.—
Ellen Choi,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Because Castile soap has a naturally high pH, this soap is probably not going to be the best choice for delicate materials like wool and silk where a detergent with neutral pH levels is recommended.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
27 May 2025
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Previously, pro-Kremlin trolls had been notably restrained in commenting on Trump, using neutral or careful language, Agentstvo reported.—
Isabel van Brugen,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Available in 21 colors—including versatile neutrals like black and beige and bright options like coral and burgundy—there’s a pair for every style and mood.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
30 May 2025
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Shop it in three easy-to-style neutrals: black, beige, and khaki.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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His slow, steady ascent in Indiana after two nondescript seasons in Boston has caught almost everyone unawares.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
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Tucked away in a nondescript complex in Santa Monica, California, is a one garage-doored building surrounded by palm trees.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vanilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanilla. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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