VAIN Synonyms: 210 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

vain

adjective

ˈvān

Definition of vain next

as in smug

having too high an opinion of oneself a man so vain that he spent hours admiring himself in the mirror

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in futile

producing no results all their efforts to escape proved vain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in worthless

having no usefulness having tired of the vain pleasures of life in the fast lane, he returned to the small town he had grown up in

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples of vain in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web But such gestures of goodwill proved elusive during the Cold War, and Humphrey’s efforts were in vain. —

Francine Uenuma, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Oct. 2024 China tried in vain to stop the duties, hoping to resolve the issue through dialogue, but talks have so far failed to lead to an agreement that satisfies the EU. —

Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Europe, 4 Oct. 2024 This reward is coming in from the universe to remind you that all of your inner work has not been done in vain. —

Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2024 Summer’s painkiller addiction prompted her to pawn her former father-in-law’s lawnmower in vain, resulting in an uncontested divorce and custody loss. —

Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vain

Adjective

The smug conventional wisdom has it that voters don’t care much about abstractions like democracy or the rule of law.

Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2024
Tonight was like having Thanksgiving with your most nervous uncle and your smuggest nephew.

Michaela Zee, Variety, 2 Oct. 2024

Definition of smug

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Style

“Vain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vain. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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Last Updated: 3 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of vain

adjective

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Examples of vain in a Sentence

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