swain

noun

ˈswān How to pronounce swain (audio)
Definition of swainnext
1
as in boyfriend
a male romantic companion a romanticized portrait of a bygone era of beauteous Southern belles and their gallant swains

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in lover
a man who courts a woman usually with the goal of marrying her Grandma claims that she had several swains pursuing her, but it was only Grandpa who won her heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of swain Justyn Gonzalez and Alexandra Young share enjoyable comedy charm as a fumbling swain and the snappy-retorting object of his affections. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 12 May 2026 Between the romantic fantasy of Anna and her two swains, the swoony Tuscan locales bathed in creamy golden light, and the tomatoes, You, Me & Tuscany delivers everything its title promises. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 Apr. 2026 As the two lovers, Robin Wright as the comely princess and Cary Elwes as her loving swain are engaging and appealing. — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025 But in the new film, the unnamed swain has been replaced by a Robin Hood-style heartthrob named Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), who leads a defiant group of bandits that steals from the monarchy and gives to the poor. — Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025 Science emerges as a version of the pastoral, with the physicist as swain. — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 Odette is a shape-shifter, from woman to swan, under sorcerer Rothbart’s spell, only to be broken when a swain pledges true love to her—Siegfried to the rescue. — Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swain
  1. boyfriend
  2. lover
  3. beau
  4. suitor
  5. boy
  6. fellow
  7. man
Noun
  • Anyway, now Carmella has an ex-husband she is not divorced from and a boyfriend who cheated on her.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • In one photo, Kardashian could be seen smiling next to her boyfriend and her daughter Chicago in what appeared to be the first selfie of the couple with one of her kids.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
Definition of boyfriend
Noun
  • Guests spill out onto the three-part terrace, with its overhead heaters, barbecue space, and The Cigar Garden, where tobacco lovers can take their pick of Havanas from the humidor and lose themselves in a smoky haze until closing time.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026
  • For the outdoor lovers the resort offers pickleball and tennis, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, the Arbor Adventure (a 26-element ropes course in the trees), fly fishing, horseback riding, boating, skeet shooting, and more!
    — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
Definition of lover
Noun
  • As a result, Nick struggles to show up for this new version of his beau.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • Kai is apparently likewise impressed by her mom’s legendary beau, 50.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Definition of beau
Noun
  • But there is a feeling Everton are hedging their bets; willing to sell at the right price — close to £20m — but having placed a valuation on him that may deter at least some potential suitors.
    — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • The Cleveland Cavaliers, Heat, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly the primary suitors for James.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Definition of suitor
Noun
  • Among the traditions preserved by the Gion Matsuri is the choosing of a boy as a sacred messenger to the gods.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • Soccer destiny then deemed that her baby boy, who would become a star for Barcelona some 15 years later, was paired up with the Argentine who would become one of the greatest of all time.
    — Joseph Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
Definition of boy
Noun
  • Now researchers have announced the discovery of helium leaking from LHS 1140 b into space, and that only makes the possibility that life could exist on the planet more likely, says Collin Cherubim, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 16 July 2026
  • Peter Rough and Ulrich Speck are senior fellows at the Hudson Institute.
    — Peter Rough, Washington Post, 15 July 2026
Definition of fellow
Noun
  • Durán Guerrero’s neighbor said the young man, who was headed to work when the shooting happened, lived with his partner and their 3-year-old daughter.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation is asking for public assistance in identifying a man, who is accused of robbing a bank in Miami Lakes.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Definition of man

Browse Nearby Words

swags
swain
swains
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Cite this Entry

“Swain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swain. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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