zero

noun

ˈzir-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce zero (audio)
Definition of zeronext
1
as in nothing
the numerical symbol 0 or the absence of number or quantity represented by it anything multiplied by zero comes out to zero

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in nobody
a person of no importance or influence those snobs on the cruise ship tried to make me feel like a complete zero

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in depth
the lowest point or level after several dating disasters, my confidence with the opposite sex is at zero

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 zero This naturally generated probabilistic bits, or p-bits which aren’t fixed as zeros or ones, but fluctuate according to incoming data. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026 Starting with Andrew Morris retiring José Ramírez on a popout to end the eighth inning, Twins relievers posted zeroes. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 23 July 2026 Cavalli and Rockies starter Gabriel Hughes (0-2) matched zeros through four innings. — ABC News, 22 July 2026 Across coastal California, the tallies were a string of zeroes. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for zero
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zero
  1. nothing
  2. nobody
  3. depth
  4. nil
  5. cipher
  6. dwarf
  7. lightweight
  8. insect
Noun
  • While CinemaCon 2026 brought us exciting news about new films, it was also bogged down with status quo nothings about how Amazon MGM still hasn’t found a new James Bond.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
  • When Dana, who, like Virginia, had been successful in writing pleasant but undistinguished nothings—in her case, songs for Billy Rose’s revues—decided to try taking on more serious music by studying with Boulanger, Virginia entered a deep downward spiral.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
Definition of nothing
Noun
  • Yvonne and Nick’s disastrous wedding dinner is the day the cast went from nobodies to actual practitioners of the reality-television arts and sciences.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 1 July 2026
  • Despite the tragicomic instability and the rotating cast of nobodies temporarily tasked with running the country, when seen in macroeconomic terms, Peru appears to be doing just fine, thank you.
    — Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 4 June 2026
Definition of nobody
Noun
  • The Broderie Anglaise With a Transitional Jacket With fall’s cool breezes on the horizon, a transitional suede jacket brings depth—and texture—to everyone’s favorite nightie dress from Dôen.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • In mid-July 2026 Cembrero's publication, El Confidencial, along with Le Monde, The Guardian and other international outlets, published an in depth investigation on the use of Pegasus by Moroccan intelligence services.
    — Miguel Macias, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of depth
Noun
  • Four-nil down at half-time, Mbappe started a ridiculous comeback.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • As for the nil-nil draw between Curaçao and Ecuador, three days later, no doubt every sweating tackle will be etched into the consciousness of the seventy thousand spectators who packed into Kansas City Stadium.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
Definition of nil
Noun
  • But in my view, our relationships to animals, whose lives are untouched by the existential woes and artifices of personhood, are the richest and most evident ciphers for our own often inscrutable psyches.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 June 2026
  • Consider a dashboard that shows applications, including keys and libraries; network traffic protocols and ciphers; hardware, such as HSMs and TPMs; and third-party dependencies, including cryptographic or software bills of materials.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Definition of cipher
Noun
  • When a larger galaxy pulls apart a smaller dwarf galaxy, the dwarf’s stars can stretch into a stream — a cosmic breadcrumb trail of that encounter.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • To avoid this, sow dwarf crepe myrtles at least 4 to 6 feet apart, space standard-sized trees at least 8 feet from each other, and keep crepe myrtles of any size at least 3 feet away from fencing.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of dwarf
Noun
  • These lightweight yet still creamy liquid formulas brighten instead of masking, making dark circles and discoloration appear softer without looking obviously covered.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, opt for something lightweight that won’t dig into you, like these G Gradual ankle pants.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of lightweight
Noun
  • Some of the most popular forms include peppermint oil diffusers, skin and hair care products, non-toxic insect and vermin repellants, natural cleaning products, dietary supplements and pure essential oil.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Few countries have felt the force of the insect’s impact quite like South Africa.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of insect

Phrases Containing zero

Browse Nearby Words

zephyrs
zero
zeroed (in on)
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Cite this Entry

“Zero.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zero. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on zero

Nglish: Translation of zero for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zero

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