But these will come to naught unless the government can see them clearly—and find the strength to take advantage of them.—Robert M. Danin, Foreign Affairs, 8 June 2016 Scientists use a metric called the basic reproduction number or reproduction value — referred to as R0 and pronounced R naught — to rate how transmissible or contagious a disease is.—Jessica Flores, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Aug. 2021 Particularly since quality dialogue is not a strength here, the performers can do naught but try to keep a straight face, some under heavy layers of creature latex.—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 12 Jan. 2023 So who is to credit (or perhaps, to blame) for Hanna's ability to crush faces with naught but her hands and an emotionless grimace?—Kyle Munkittrick, Discover Magazine, 14 Apr. 2011 See all Example Sentences for naught
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'naught.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Pronoun and Noun
Middle English nought, from Old English nāwiht, from nā no + wiht creature, thing — more at no, wight
First Known Use
Pronoun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of naught was
before the 12th century
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