1
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
2
as in futile
producing no results
all their efforts to escape proved vain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vain
Needless to say, all these vain, privileged, self-promoting jerks are soon going to make CW’s acquaintance, then regret it — even as vengeful Madison zeroes in on that lady’s whereabouts.
—
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
The President’s Cake, from a multiple award winner at Cannes, Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi, a heartbreaking and unforgettable look at a country crushed by poverty and international sanctions — and ruled by a sadistic, greedy and vain tyrant.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
The thin strands of spaghetti still spool around a lush sauce made of pork, beef and veal, with a splash of cream adding a touch of richness, while pinches of spinach make a vain effort to cut through it with its bitter bite.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
During the eulogy, Neil boldly vowed that his son’s death wouldn’t be in vain.
—Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vain
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
The President’s Cake, from a multiple award winner at Cannes, Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi, a heartbreaking and unforgettable look at a country crushed by poverty and international sanctions — and ruled by a sadistic, greedy and vain tyrant.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
The thin strands of spaghetti still spool around a lush sauce made of pork, beef and veal, with a splash of cream adding a touch of richness, while pinches of spinach make a vain effort to cut through it with its bitter bite.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
During the eulogy, Neil boldly vowed that his son’s death wouldn’t be in vain.
—Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vain
Adjective
-
Perhaps the frustration this time will be mitigated slightly as EV owners feel a bit smug about eliminating range anxiety.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
There really was a secret cabal of the rich and powerful who committed horrific crimes, smug in the knowledge that their money and power would protect them.—
Pat Beall,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
Bodyguard of Lies, an investigation into the United States’ bloody, costly, and ultimately futile war in Afghanistan, will open theatrically for a limited run in New York on September 12, before bowing on the Paramount+ platform on Sept. 23.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
13 Aug. 2025
-
But given the likely futile nature of the Braves' remaining games at that point, he might unofficially be done for the year.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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That support helped plenty, but would have been worthless without serious drive and hard work, as well as Navarro’s two years at the University of Virginia.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Anything less than a total social reckoning—a complete psychological makeover of white America—was worthless.—
Book Marks
August 21,
Literary Hub,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Sears had a proud narrative, but Amazon had a compounding moat.—
Michael Cannivet,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
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As a proud and perpetually hungry University of Alabama alum, my thoughts turn first to food, and one specific game-day treat in particular: the stadium dog.—
Jennifer Stewart Kornegay,
Southern Living,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Meyer said efforts to relocate the warehouse were unsuccessful.—
Erik S. Hanley,
jsonline.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Marsh’s years of litigation against the city have been unsuccessful so far.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Folks fill empty totes and baskets with loaves of the traditional bread ($15), and for good reason.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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This can also be an issue for heirs who may have to empty pre-tax accounts and boost their adjusted gross income during their peak earning years, experts say.—
Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But this act of arrogant bullying should also re-kindle the spirit of hope and unity that swept through this community in the aftermath of that horrible night in 2016, that still binds Orlando in its 150th anniversary year.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Aug. 2025
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Harry Potter fans might recognize Stroma for playing the arrogant Hogwarts student named Cormac McLaggen in the film franchise.—
Olivia Singh,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Likewise, even the best dashboard is useless if your team doesn't use it.—
Ramachander Rao Thallada,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
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One newspaper here calling the summit, sickening, shameful, and, in the end, useless.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vain. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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