COME UP EMPTY Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

come up empty

phrase

Definition of come up empty

as in collapse

to be unsuccessful We searched for a viable candidate but came up empty.

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for come up empty

Phrase

Nike also gave a forecast for profit this fiscal year that fell short of analysts’ expectations.

— Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Supporters made a similar push in the lame duck session at the end of 2024 but ultimately fell short.

— Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of fall short

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come up

come up empty

comeuppance

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“Come up empty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/come%20up%20empty. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of come up empty

phrase

Example Sentences

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