void

1 of 3

adjective

1
a
: of no legal force or effect : null
a void contract
b
2
: containing nothing
void space
3
a
: not occupied : vacant
a void bishopric
b
: not inhabited : deserted
4
5
a
: being without something specified : devoid
a nature void of all malice
b
: having no members or examples
specifically, of a suit : having no cards represented in a particular hand
6
voidness noun

void

2 of 3

noun

1
a
b
: empty space : emptiness, vacuum
2
: the quality or state of being without something : lack, absence
3
: a feeling of want or hollowness
4
: absence of cards of a particular suit in a hand originally dealt to a player

void

3 of 3

verb

voided; voiding; voids

transitive verb

1
2
a
: to make empty or vacant : clear
b
archaic : vacate, leave
3

intransitive verb

: to eliminate solid or liquid waste from the body
voider noun
Choose the Right Synonym for void

empty, vacant, blank, void, vacuous mean lacking contents which could or should be present.

empty suggests a complete absence of contents.

an empty bucket

vacant suggests an absence of appropriate contents or occupants.

a vacant apartment

blank stresses the absence of any significant, relieving, or intelligible features on a surface.

a blank wall

void suggests absolute emptiness as far as the mind or senses can determine.

a statement void of meaning

vacuous suggests the emptiness of a vacuum and especially the lack of intelligence or significance.

a vacuous facial expression

Examples of void in a Sentence

Adjective This sales offer is void where prohibited by law. an agreement is void if obtained by force Noun the great voids between galaxies a repressed memory that left a huge void in her recollection of her adolescent years Verb The judge voided the contract. Any unauthorized repairs will void the warranty.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Assuming Schoen continues his practice of not adding void years, the Giants could create $15.7 million in cap space with a max restructure of Burns’ contract, which runs through 2028. Dan Duggan, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Their current rotation is Zach Eflin, Dean Kremer, Cade Povich, Sugano, and the void Gibson left behind. Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Noun
Machine learning combined with AI fills the data processing void and allows brands to deliver personalized experiences both rapidly and at scale. Amit Ojha, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 Also, opening up the plants a little can allow new shoots to fill the voids. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025
Verb
America struck back: not only has the Sinopec deal been mysteriously voided due to a lack of payment from China, despite years of negotiations and competition that included defeating bids from several American companies, including Baker Hughes. Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 He has been extended twice in his career, and his contract voids after 2025. Daniel Popper, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for void

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English voyde, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *vocitus, alteration of Latin vocivus, vacivus empty, from vacare to be empty

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French voider (Old French of Île-de-France vuider) Vulgar Latin *vocitare, from *vocitus

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Noun

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of void was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Void.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/void. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

void

1 of 3 adjective
1
: containing nothing : empty
void space
2
: being without something specified : devoid
a person void of common sense
3
: of no legal force or effect
a void contract

void

2 of 3 noun
1
: empty space
2
: a feeling of want or hollowness

void

3 of 3 verb
: to make void
void a contract

Medical Definition

void

transitive verb
: to discharge or emit
void urine

intransitive verb

: to eliminate solid or liquid waste from the body
frequent voiding

Legal Definition

void

1 of 2 adjective
1
: of no force or effect under law
a void marriage
2
voidness noun

void

2 of 2 transitive verb
: to make or declare void
void a contract

More from Merriam-Webster on void

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