swains

noun

plural of swain
1
as in boyfriends
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 wooers
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 swains 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swains
  1. boyfriends
  2. lovers
  3. beaux
  4. suitors
  5. boys
  6. fellows
  7. men
Noun
  • As well as the two ur-bad boyfriends from HBO’s Girls Christopher Abbott and Adam Driver who will portray, respectively, Professor Charles Xavier and Nathaniel Milbury/Mister Sinister.
    — Chris Lee, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Keegan-Michael Key and Rob Huebel have been cast as the BFFs’ boyfriends.
    — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of boyfriends
Noun
  • Art lovers and newer aficionados will appreciate learning more about the artists, the art, and how they were created.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Wayfarer Tavern, which opened in 2025, has already achieved legendary status among Greater Cincinnati pizza lovers.
    — USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of lovers
Noun
  • So are their girlfriends and wives, who support their beaus in stadiums and at home.
    — Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Despite some very not-so-subtle hints from yours truly, my past beaus have never gifted me a handbag on Valentine’s Day, either.
    — Michelle Baricevic, InStyle, 26 Jan. 2026
Definition of beaux
Noun
  • Unless leverage can be generated from competing suitors, clubs interested in Chelsea’s surplus players can be confident their positions will strengthen as the transfer deadline nears.
    — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • While other suitors offered him the chance for more touches, Pryor wanted to give the Gators a game-changing complement to star tailback Jadan Baugh.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of suitors
Noun
  • During Wright’s tenure, El Camino Real has replaced the football coach, boys and girls basketball coaches, the tennis coach and the athletic director.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Hathaway hilariously portrays the growing pains of trying to learn royal etiquette while navigating dreamy boys and high-school bullies.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of boys
Noun
  • The cohort includes documentary fellows Amin Pakparvar and Sara Chishti, writer-directors Gabby Beans, Lydia Matata and Rippin Sindher, and film/TV writer fellows Marisa Francis and Pedro Eiras.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Assistants—residents, fellows, or advanced practice providers—provide exposure, retraction, and continuity.
    — Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of fellows
Noun
  • In 2024, white men made up a little more than half of Delta Air Lines’ executives, senior-level officials and managers.
    — Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Both men were airlifted to port and received medical attention before being reunited with their families, the navy said.
    — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of men

Browse Nearby Words

swain
swains
swale
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Cite this Entry

“Swains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swains. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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