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
-
These Knicks look more complete, more willing to sacrifice for one another.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026 -
The implication is that a figure willing to weaponize the debt crisis politically could reshape the electorate rapidly.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Or, if you'd rather be cocooned in greenery than gazing at the Pacific, one of the two treehouse-style suites nestled in the property's garden is a dreamy alternative.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
-
Most of the residents aren't from the DMV area, but rather Georgia, Arizona and California, according to The New York Times.—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Get ready to see some ground and pound on the South Lawn.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
-
Designers and celebrities get ready there before heading to the red carpet.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
6 May 2026
Adverb
-
Even when a woman willingly and lovingly forgoes her time, convenience, comfort and preferences for her child’s sake, the opposition remains.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 May 2026
-
Frequently Asked Questions Some thyme varieties, like creeping thyme, spread willingly.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Maggie was glad to have missed the grapefruit slices.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 May 2026
-
Escobarete is glad Campbell made the choice to become a Crusader.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
The authors suggest that because exercise boosts feel-good hormones, such as dopamine, and reduces the stress hormone cortisol, smokers who work out feel less inclined to use nicotine as a brain reward.—
Teresa Mull,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
-
Accessibility There are elevators throughout and inclined ramps to access certain common areas.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Fain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fain. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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