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
-
Too bad, but anyway plot and plausibility are far less important than the experiential qualities Resurrection offers those willing to accept its fairy tale-like pitch.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
23 May 2025 -
For now the Bears seem willing to let the noise continue into June.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Adverb
-
But Pedro, or Joel, rather, is so painfully handsome, whoever was describing him to Abby couldn’t overlook that fact.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
25 May 2025
-
While Lamont points with pride to the large surpluses achieved during his tenure, critics say these weren’t inessential funds but rather were leeched from core programs that have been dangerously undermined.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
Plan to wear a comfortable outfit and be ready to undress from the waist up.—
Carrie Madormo,
Health,
25 May 2025
-
Dom Amore: UConn baseball rides out storms, ready to attack Big East, NCAA tournaments The UConn baseball team, with 23 wins in its last 25 games, weathered a storm start to reach the Big East tournament in good position.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
But the upcoming project isn't the only thing Raine is glad about these days.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
16 May 2025
-
Some older fans will look at me and be glad that Meredith is also coming back.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
If the economy continues on its current trajectory of moderating inflation and robust jobs growth, then the FOMC may be more inclined to cut rates.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
-
The club’s best players would be more inclined to stay, to sign new deals, and the attraction for possible new arrivals would be even greater.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Fain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fain. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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