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
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And until organizations are willing to ask structural questions rather than people questions, the condition will persist — well-documented, carefully measured, and entirely unresolved.
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But so far, shoppers don't appear willing to abandon their summer grilling traditions.
Adverb
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Riff argued the issue to halt the payout was not a legal battle but rather a political one.
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In a dissenting opinion by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Jackson argued the case is not about gun rights, but rather property rights, since there is no constitutional right to enter private property without permission.
Adjective
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The clambake is ready when the clams have fully opened, the potatoes are tender, the broth is bubbling and the sausage is heated through.
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Leadership teams that are ready for change treat ambiguity as part of the job.
Adverb
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If CosRx can convince people to willingly slather snail mucin on their faces, trusting the brand with hair care is a pretty easy next step.
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The idea of willingly spending some indeterminate amount of time feeling bad is unthinkable.
Adjective
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After a road trip that ended with a disappointing sweep in Detroit, the White Sox are glad to be back home for a division duel against the Cleveland Guardians that kicks off on Monday night.
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Burnham is a proven-glad hander who knows how to charmingly converse with individuals.
Adjective
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Americans are not inclined to think that UFOs and ETs are hostile, either.
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The Cavs don't appear inclined to flip Mobley for Antetokounmpo, either.
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Cite this Entry
“Fain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fain. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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