FAIN Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

fain 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfān

Definition of fain

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

fain

2 of 2

adverb

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

Premium large format, or PLF, is intended for blockbuster feature films, which moviegoers are willing to pay a higher price to attend.

— Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
There are too few house-moving crews left in the state, Jaybush said, and too few contractors willing to figure out how to prepare a house for moving and put it back together again.

— Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of willing

Adverb

Protectionism is generally not the cause of trade conflicts, but rather a symptom of imbalances that have endured for too long.

— MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
Thus polytheistic worship of deities and monist philosophy are not opposed but rather different ways of reaching the divine.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of rather

Adjective

The couple was ready to back out, but the contractor promised to repair the damage at no extra cost, and an inspector said that Pinky’s bones were still good.

— Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
The equally charming loveseat version, now $240 off in chocolate brown, has a matching midcentury look and is ready to fit into any cozy living room nook.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of ready

Adverb

But the very act of putting on a wearable—of willingly adorning oneself with a tiny computerized narc—is an act of surrender.

— Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
If Gluck has willingly conceded to the anti-erotic proclivities of his intended audience, Araki has, naturally, set out to defy them.

— Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of willingly

Adjective

The Carolina Panthers better be glad that Wednesday’s joint practice against the Houston Texans didn’t count in the NFL standings.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
Hot sleepers will be glad to know that the smooth sateen weave lyocell shell is more absorbent than regular cotton.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of glad

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failures

fain

faint

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Style

“Fain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fain. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of fain

adjective

adverb

Example Sentences

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