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
-
These Knicks look more complete, more willing to sacrifice for one another.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026 -
The implication is that a figure willing to weaponize the debt crisis politically could reshape the electorate rapidly.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
During debate over the bill, supporters argued the intent wasn’t to restrict the rights of transgender people, but rather to protect women and girls.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Nussmeier weighed in at a rather light 203 pounds at the NFL Combine and was measured with hands under nine inches.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The company, which operates AMC, Shudder and BBC America, among other outlets,has no massive deal ready to unveil that will put it in cahoots with the NFL or Major League Baseball.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Lindsay Hubbard is activated and ready to call out West Wilson and Amanda Batula’s inconsistencies.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
29 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Before his trial, Hitchcock pulled back his confession and said his brother, Richard Hitchcock — Cindy’s stepfather — killed the girl in a fit of rage after discovering James Hitchcock and the girl willingly in bed together.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
-
In the dying days of the Russian Empire, highborn ladies would willingly cut the dirty fingernails of the peasant Grigori Rasputin and then sew the clippings onto their dresses like sacred talismans.—
Gerard DeGroot,
Air Mail,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But on Saturday, with the college basketball world stressed over the transfer portal and UConn fans, in particular, waiting on similar big decisions from their own stars, Karaban was glad to know his next steps.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Jaia Peabody is glad to be a part of the mission.—
Courtney Cole,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
During the arguments, the justices seemed inclined to find that Trump can’t change the rules for birthright citizenship through an executive order.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The Nordic-inclined, open-kitchen Refectory hosts breakfast, lunch, and supper.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Fain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fain. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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