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.

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

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

The company also saw momentum in its relatively new Vita Coco Treats category, which includes flavors like strawberries and cream, cherry vanilla, and lemonade.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 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

Then he gave Wishbone half a vanilla wafer and said, “I knew you were staying here.”

From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor

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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