VAIN Synonyms: 210 Similar and Opposite Words

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 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 Foolish, vain, and petty Jasmine may be, but Blanchett managed to make her slow-motion downfall oddly emotional. —

Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 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 Dec. 2024 Headlined by Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and a slew of special effects, the film followed two vain women in their desperate quest for eternal youth and beauty — with a supernatural twist. —

Frank Rizzo, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024 One is a bubbly blonde princess, vain and entitled and yet to discover her tender heart, and the other a defensive outsider, regarded as a freak because she was born with bright green skin but possessed of formidable powers. —

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vain

Adjective

Like David, Danson appeared as a pretentious and smug version of himself on the beloved series.

Esther Kang, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Yet the people posting vitriolic comments about Thompson feel justified in being smug about the death of this human in particular.

Aja Romano, Vox, 7 Dec. 2024