fain 1 of 2

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

fain

2 of 2

adverb

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fain
Adjective
  • There's no guarantee that the private sector is willing to pick up either the capital expenditure or the operation and maintenance (much less the legal liabilities) of some 122 weather radars, 16 satellites, 15 ships and 10 airplanes.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Between the two of them, Basel is the more reticent, the one less willing to dream out loud.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025
Adverb
  • But the win seemed rather improbable just 48 hours ago.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The next generation of geothermal-energy projects—including FORGE, in Utah—was not about harvesting natural steam but, rather, drilling to create steam.
    Brent Crane, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And one that is speeding toward Kansas City ready to make an impact.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Seedlings purchased from a garden center should be ready to put in the garden immediately.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • What seems certain is that both the club and player will be glad when the summer transfer window opens and AC Milan can part ways with Theo Hernández with the two parties clearly needing a fresh start.
    Adam Digby, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Marian coach Dan Murray knows his team survived an off shooting night but was glad the Spartans could still win against the Celtics.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • These findings challenge the stereotype that younger generations are more inclined to prioritize work-life balance.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Unlike larger restaurant chains like Denny's and Waffle House, which have adjusted to the surging costs by adding an egg surcharge to their menu item prices, smaller businesses are less inclined to follow suit, according to Dartmouth College economics professor Bruce Sacerdote.
    Michael Pappano, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2025
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fain. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!