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.

Even the vanilla scent near the sweet shop had faded.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

This year's offerings include the "Best in Show," the "Golden Cut Margarita," the "Maestro Martini" and "The Sequel," made with gold vanilla edible paint streaked along the side.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

The court heard Nath - after realising he had been "rumbled" - threw the bottle of Madagascar vanilla extract into a toilet cistern but it was later recovered by police.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Plain vanilla; she hadn’t even let him talk her into a sundae.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez

Vocabulary lists containing vanilla

White

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