swain

noun

ˈswān How to pronounce swain (audio)
Definition of swainnext
1
as in boyfriend
a male romantic companion a romanticized portrait of a bygone era of beauteous Southern belles and their gallant swains

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in lover
a man who courts a woman usually with the goal of marrying her Grandma claims that she had several swains pursuing her, but it was only Grandpa who won her heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example 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 swain Justyn Gonzalez and Alexandra Young share enjoyable comedy charm as a fumbling swain and the snappy-retorting object of his affections. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 12 May 2026 Between the romantic fantasy of Anna and her two swains, the swoony Tuscan locales bathed in creamy golden light, and the tomatoes, You, Me & Tuscany delivers everything its title promises. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 Apr. 2026 As the two lovers, Robin Wright as the comely princess and Cary Elwes as her loving swain are engaging and appealing. — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025 But in the new film, the unnamed swain has been replaced by a Robin Hood-style heartthrob named Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), who leads a defiant group of bandits that steals from the monarchy and gives to the poor. — Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025 Science emerges as a version of the pastoral, with the physicist as swain. — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 Odette is a shape-shifter, from woman to swan, under sorcerer Rothbart’s spell, only to be broken when a swain pledges true love to her—Siegfried to the rescue. — Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swain
  1. boyfriend
  2. lover
  3. beau
  4. suitor
  5. boy
  6. fellow
  7. man
Noun
  • She was accompanied by her younger son, Kash, 14, and current boyfriend Kyle Mowitz, who is in asset management.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The editors then serve up a tasty treat of a bunch of photos with Emily smack dab in the center, and cycle through them more quickly than Jenn’s boyfriend Ryan cycles through loud denim jackets.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of boyfriend
Noun
  • Milwaukee Public Library research and policy coordinator Joey McMahon added the library has been a staple for Milwaukee artists and music lovers for a long time.
    — Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The story follows Jaime, a former lover turned butler to Isabel, a wealthy Argentine woman.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of lover
Noun
  • As bald eagle fans around the world mourn the death of Jackie, her longtime mate Shadow has been spotted with a possible new beau in Southern California.
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Sara Howe, a carriage driving trainer who often sees Louise and her beau at competitions, told Hello!
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of beau
Noun
  • Potential suitors would also naturally be looking at what the future holds for the entertainment business at large.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Old Hollywood starlet received eight engagement rings from her suitors, as some of them opted to give her other jewelry in lieu of a ring.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of suitor
Noun
  • Ryker Huther is tied for first with 66 for Circle Christian boys golf on the first day of the Titan Invitational.
    — Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • This 1999 movie is about a manchild named Sonny who takes in a little boy (played by Dylan and Cole Sprouse, perfect for Riverdale fans) to impress his ex-girlfriend.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of boy
Noun
  • Stuart Anderson is the executive director of the National Foundation for American Policy, where Mark Regets is a senior fellow.
    — Stuart Anderson, Washington Post, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Greenberg joins the ranks of past Circle of Champions honorees including Sephora’s Artemis Patrick; fellow L’Oréal alum Carol Hamilton; FIT’s Stephan Kanlian and more.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of fellow
Noun
  • The Ravens haven’t traditionally kept a third quarterback on the 53-man roster, but Fagnano starred throughout the preseason, completing 75 percent of his passes and throwing for 509 yards and three touchdowns.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Davis is the only person still alive among the four men prosecutors say were in the Cadillac.
    — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of man

Browse Nearby Words

swags
swain
swains
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Cite this Entry

“Swain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swain. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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