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Synonym Chooser

How is the word vain distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of vain are empty, hollow, idle, nugatory, and otiose. While all these words mean "being without worth or significance," vain implies either absolute or relative absence of value.

vain promises

How are the words empty and hollow related as synonyms of vain?

Both empty and hollow suggest a deceiving lack of real substance or soundness or genuineness.

an empty attempt at reconciliation
a hollow victory

When is it sensible to use idle instead of vain?

The synonyms idle and vain are sometimes interchangeable, but idle suggests being incapable of worthwhile use or effect.

idle speculations

When would nugatory be a good substitute for vain?

In some situations, the words nugatory and vain are roughly equivalent. However, nugatory suggests triviality or insignificance.

a monarch with nugatory powers

In what contexts can otiose take the place of vain?

The words otiose and vain can be used in similar contexts, but otiose suggests that something serves no purpose and is either an encumbrance or a superfluity.

a film without a single otiose scene

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 vain My daughter-in-law’s mother and I always peek into the boxes hoping in vain that this year something with red sauce and nitrates will appear. Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Sep. 2025 The vain and vengeful Witch of the Waste, jealous of their friendship, puts a curse on Sophie and turns her into a 90-year-old woman. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025 Michael Scott was such a massive personality, so over-the-top and socially awkward and vain, that much of the story revolved around his myriad social faux pas and unforced errors. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Esmerelda in particular is one-note, nothing but a vain narcissist obsessed with toppling Ned. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vain
Adjective
  • However, Ralph has a smug attitude when talking to Brad.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Colum’s smug assurance that the wedding will happen soon is rocked when Ned shows up with news of the Grants’ suspicions about the raid.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Many local government officials, reformers, and policymakers in the 19th century saw vagrancy laws as futile at best, cruel at worst.
    Time, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
  • In other words, resistance is futile.
    Mia Sosa, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But these glasses are worthless without a mobile phone.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • If the stock price stays above the strike at expiration, the put expires worthless, and the investor retains the full premium as profit.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The low-key setting — a 6-0 thrashing of third tier opposition in the Carabao Cup third round — does not diminish the quality of strikes that Gomez’s former Inter Miami team-mate Lionel Messi would have been proud of.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • In the carousel, the proud parents shared the first photos of their newborn, as well as several pictures of their family of four.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Conservatives like Schlafly, unsuccessful in their early 80’s boycott, had their first taste of activist success on the airwaves.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel attempted to contact Rebholz via email about the school's fundraising goal and money raised but was unsuccessful.
    Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Caleb, beside her, had an empty backpack from Skywalker Ranch slung over his shoulder.
    Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
  • An empty lectern waited at its center.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Jean stepped out as Nia approached—lean and arrogant, a cigarette pinched between her lips.
    David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Gil, her nemesis, is hot, arrogant and unfortunately extremely kissable.
    Audrey Goldberg Ruoff, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Adams’ tactics rendered the gag rule toothless and useless, prompting even six southern Congressmen to vote in favor of overturning it.
    Time, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
  • That framing is politically useful but practically useless.
    Kristie De Pena, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vain. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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