as in willing
having a desire or inclination (as for a specified course of action)
during the Renaissance most men of science and the arts were fain to express their noblest thoughts in Latin, the lingua franca of the learned
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in rather
by choice or preference
"I would fain not marry that suitor, my lord," the princess pleaded
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fain
Adjective
-
The question is, why does Amanda believe it, or rather, why is West willing to be with Amanda over those other people?—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
3 June 2026 -
For those willing to coordinate logistics in advance, the payoff is a front-row view of sporting traditions that predate most modern nations.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Adverb
-
Curling tomato leaves are certainly alarming, but sometimes the cause is rather simple.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
-
Who should the Knicks rather play?—
Bob Harkins,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Those at the bar seemed interested in their drinks, while those at the tables seemed more keen on each other—or when their table at Daroco would be ready.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
And as the summer heats up, boat traffic increases and the Coast Guard said its always ready.—
Kerri Corrado,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Adverb
-
The author, Arthur Koestler, wrote it to explore how a dedicated Communist could bring himself willingly to admit to absurd crimes.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
27 May 2026
-
Interim leaders willingly accept responsibility during moments of uncertainty, instability and organizational vulnerability.—
Mariama Boney,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Rinker, whose last few years have been filled with loss, is just glad to be home.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
Andrew coach Dave DeHaan is certainly glad for that.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Democratic voters are inclined to be skeptical, and to believe rumors that the group is funded by the same Israeli government that wanted the US to bomb Iran.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
1 June 2026
-
Perhaps there's a fussy Phillies fan in footy pajamas who balks at the twice-daily ritual but might be more inclined to brush because Harper does it, as well.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Fain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fain. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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