Synonyms for

Vanilla

Verb / vʌˈnɪlʌ / Another word for vanilla — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Vanilla is a flavor that comes from the beans of a tropical plant. It is often used in desserts and sweets.

Synonyms & similar words

vanillaextract plain ordinary bland uninteresting commonplace everyday usual standard conventional routine typical predictable monotonous tedious boring dull unexciting unvaried homogeneous uniform

Synonyms by register

Formal

plain standard unflavored unadorned

Informal

basic simple regular plain jane

Literary

pale creamy sweet-scented

Antonyms

exotic unusual special unique distinctive fancy gourmet

Common collocations

  • vanilla extract
  • vanilla bean
  • vanilla ice cream
  • vanilla cupcake
  • vanilla fragrance
  • vanilla orchid
  • vanilla syrup

Word family

noun vanilla
adjective vanilla

Usage note

In its figurative sense, 'vanilla' means plain or unexciting. It is often used to describe something that is standard or lacks special features.

Example sentences

  1. She added vanilla extract to the cake batter.
  2. I prefer vanilla ice cream over chocolate.
  3. The vanilla candle smelled amazing.
  4. He wore a plain vanilla t-shirt to school.
  5. The coffee tasted like vanilla.

Quotes

  • "I'm not a big sweets person, but I love vanilla things." - Taylor Swift
  • "Vanilla is the world's most popular flavor." - Anonymous
  • "Life is short, but there is always time for a scoop of vanilla ice cream." - Anonymous

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