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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Charles may be willing to reopen family conversations, while William remains focused on protecting the institution and the people closest to him.
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In the immediate future, Lendeborg is already a high-quality rebounder and a willing defender who was twice the American Athletic Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year at Alabama-Birmingham.
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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Both of these sightings were enough to convince me to add the summer-ready bottoms to my own wardrobe (seriously, the pants have been living rent-free in my mind since her initial outfit).
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Mere minutes after Hakimi's goal, Haiti was ready for revenge, with a powerful goal by Wilson Isidor.
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 27 Jun. 2026.
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