fain 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfān How to pronounce fain (audio)
Definition of fainnext
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
  1. willing
  2. rather
  3. ready
  4. willingly
  5. glad
  6. inclined
Adjective
  • Communities need younger residents willing to become involved, learn the issues, ask questions, and accept responsibility.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • As a result, sellers may be more willing to cut prices or cover closing costs to ink a deal.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of willing
Adverb
  • Star winger Lionel Messi, the MLS leader in assists and goals, was rather silent against Cincinnati, finishing with zero shots on target and a yellow card.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The organizers of the rally at Roseland Community Hospital Wednesday morning said the shutdown of labor and delivery services there and elsewhere is happening not because OB/GYN services are no longer needed, but is rather a sign of bad policy.
    — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of rather
Adjective
  • These are houses that agents have secured listing contracts but aren’t ready to be seen by the public.
    — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Dentists likely are champing at the bit, ready and willing to substitute some dental floss for a slab of chocolate.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of ready
Adverb
  • Prosecutors said Salman pledged loyalty to ISIS and willingly participated in its activities.
    — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The woman did so willingly, and there is no allegation that she was forced or tricked.
    — Jim Defede, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of willingly
Adjective
  • Many rabid fans from other cities would be glad to trade places with them anytime.
    — Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Just glad to be here with you guys and proud to represent one of the best states in the country.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of glad
Adjective
  • There’s a performance aspect to reality television, to people who are politically inclined.
    — Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • If the brand fits that aesthetic, the audience is far more inclined to become the brand’s customers.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of inclined
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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fain
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Cite this Entry

“Fain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fain. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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