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 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 Hundreds of people gathered in the desert, in vain. —

Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 11 Dec. 2024 The songwriter placed himself in the situation of waiting for his dad to come home at Christmas — in vain. —

Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024 And though Macrinus—brilliant, conniving, vain—is nothing like the characters Denzel played earlier in his career, this performance calls back to his breezy charm in movies like Carl Franklin’s Out of Time (2003) and Devil in a Blue Dress (1995), or Mira Nair’s Mississippi Masala (1991). —

Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024 Foolish, vain, and petty Jasmine may be, but Blanchett managed to make her slow-motion downfall oddly emotional. —

Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vain

Adjective

João Franco Photo: Bravo/Mark Rogers/Bravo Deckhand/Bosun Below Deck Mediterranean Seasons 3-4 — 2nd Officer/Bosun Below Deck Down Under Season 2 — Why can’t someone knock the smug look off of this deckie turned bosun’s face?

Brian Moylan, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2024
But the second half becomes increasingly generic conspiracy stuff, leading to a two-part conclusion that’s more smug and sanctimonious than the preceding action can justify.

Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Nov. 2024