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.

She said the previous year's drought may have contributed to the vanilla shortage.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

For the crust, you’ll need just three ingredients: vanilla wafers, unsalted butter and sugar.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Even the vanilla scent near the sweet shop had faded.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

“Nothing should ever sit and gather dust,” she said, and we went into the kitchen and tried the cherry vanilla ice cream.

From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt

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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