as in nothing
the numerical symbol 0 or the absence of number or quantity represented by it
for dates, the year is automatically listed as a pair of aughts, so the user has to scroll down to the correct figure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 aught
And while the ’90s and early aughts had boobs, the 2020s saw the phenomenon of a new asset thanks to the fashion trend of naked dressing.
—
Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 2026
By the early aughts, as CERP, the restoration project, started to take shape, Florida’s environmental community focused on advocacy, largely legislation, because there was almost no formal science staff at nonprofits in South Florida.
—Michael Adno, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026
My two biggest personal memories of Vespaio were of my good friend Geeta working as a hostess there in the early aughts (everyone had a friend who worked at Vespaio at some point).
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
The show’s massive success and cheap production costs inspired the greenlighting of countless other reality shows in the early aughts, including The Amazing Race and The Mole.
—Matty Merritt, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aught
Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 2026
By the early aughts, as CERP, the restoration project, started to take shape, Florida’s environmental community focused on advocacy, largely legislation, because there was almost no formal science staff at nonprofits in South Florida.
—Michael Adno, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026
My two biggest personal memories of Vespaio were of my good friend Geeta working as a hostess there in the early aughts (everyone had a friend who worked at Vespaio at some point).
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
The show’s massive success and cheap production costs inspired the greenlighting of countless other reality shows in the early aughts, including The Amazing Race and The Mole.
—Matty Merritt, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aught
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aught
Noun
-
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
-
Why did her mom press so hard for the littlest of nothings?—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
4 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Newer plates have a slash through zeros, which could cause them to be confused with the number eight.—
Chilekasi Adele,
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2026
-
The rest of the Sharks followed her lead, and by the time the clock hit zeros, Shadow Creek had won the period 21-3.—
Jon Poorman,
Houston Chronicle,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Of course, these early positions were all for naught.—
Washington Post,
Washington Post,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Banchero’s 37-point, 10-rebound showing at Cleveland, however, was all for naught when Jamahl Mosley‘s squad fell 114-98 inside Rocket Arena on NBC’s streaming service Peacock.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aught.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aught. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
