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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
  • The right-wing movements that emerged around the world in the mid-twentieth century were both highly nationalistic and willing to work across borders.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Pierce and others used the image of the statue to promote a memecoin — a type of cryptocurrency, typically based on a viral joke or meme — whose worth is only as much as people are willing to speculate and pay.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of willing
Adverb
  • Even if the relationship isn’t fake, something about Bronwyn’s newfound fame (or, rather, adjacency to fame by way of Lisa Barlow) may have altered her brain chemistry into thinking this is a normal way to navigate and present a new relationship.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
  • This had nothing to do with work on the field, but rather a promotion for how the team is about to honor its past.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of rather
Adjective
  • Zodiacs and tender boats are on board, ready for excursions (as are kayaks, which can be booked at an additional charge).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The technology could potentially distinguish between chemically similar substances and identify biological threats, although the current work has not yet demonstrated those capabilities in a field-ready device.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of ready
Adverb
  • Council member Dale Reynolds, who first made the motion to approve the ordinance, questioned whether there was any incentive for the public to willingly register their bikes.
    — Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The front end simply carves into turns with the slightest shift of body position, leaning over willingly enough to eliminate conscious thought and hesitation right out of the gate.
    — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of willingly
Adjective
  • But McDowell is glad the Supreme Court blocked the use of the new districts for November.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Now that Earle Meets World is, well, out in the world, Alix, Ashtin, and the rest of the family are particularly glad that their breast cancer journey is in the spotlight—and plan on continuing to spread awareness.
    — Caitlin Carlson, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of glad
Adjective
  • That book, which served as a major source for Christopher Nolan’s 2023 blockbuster biopic, Oppenheimer, presented a nuanced portrait of the idealistic, mystically inclined, yet duplicitous and power-seeking nuclear physicist.
    — Martin Filler, The New York Review of Books, 15 Sep. 2026
  • For now, Dallas appears inclined to keep Irving, who didn’t play last season because of a torn ACL.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 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.

Browse Nearby Words

failures
fain
faint
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Cite this Entry

“Fain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fain. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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