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Synonym Chooser

How is the word vain distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of vain are empty, hollow, idle, nugatory, and otiose. While all these words mean "being without worth or significance," vain implies either absolute or relative absence of value.

vain promises

How are the words empty and hollow related as synonyms of vain?

Both empty and hollow suggest a deceiving lack of real substance or soundness or genuineness.

an empty attempt at reconciliation
a hollow victory

When is it sensible to use idle instead of vain?

The synonyms idle and vain are sometimes interchangeable, but idle suggests being incapable of worthwhile use or effect.

idle speculations

When would nugatory be a good substitute for vain?

In some situations, the words nugatory and vain are roughly equivalent. However, nugatory suggests triviality or insignificance.

a monarch with nugatory powers

In what contexts can otiose take the place of vain?

The words otiose and vain can be used in similar contexts, but otiose suggests that something serves no purpose and is either an encumbrance or a superfluity.

a film without a single otiose scene

Examples of vain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But such gestures of goodwill proved elusive during the Cold War, and Humphrey’s efforts were in vain. Francine Uenuma, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Oct. 2024 China tried in vain to stop the duties, hoping to resolve the issue through dialogue, but talks have so far failed to lead to an agreement that satisfies the EU. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Europe, 4 Oct. 2024 This reward is coming in from the universe to remind you that all of your inner work has not been done in vain. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2024 Summer’s painkiller addiction prompted her to pawn her former father-in-law’s lawnmower in vain, resulting in an uncontested divorce and custody loss. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vain 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near vain

Cite this Entry

“Vain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vain. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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