NOT WORTH THE CANDLE Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

not worth the candle

phrase

Definition of not worth the candle

as in unsuccessful

producing no results Trying to salvage the car after it was totaled is not worth the candle.

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Recent Examples of not worth the candle Often, however, the problems run deeper, and the United States must recognize that the game is simply not worth the candle. — Mara Karlin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for not worth the candle

in vain

Phrase

Seeing third base uncovered, Mesa rounded second and sped to third standing up as Ramírez tried in vain to catch up.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
For that reason, the Polish government requested Wolińska-Brus’s extradition from Britain, though in vain.

— Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of in vain

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notwithstanding

not worth the candle

noun

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“Not worth the candle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/not%20worth%20the%20candle. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of not worth the candle

phrase

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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