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

Meta Platforms, which is pushing its Muse AI agent, lost 7% after reporting stronger revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected, though its profit fell short.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Of course, missing nine free throws in a seven-point loss wasn’t the only reason Orlando fell short to Atlanta in its season-opener.

— Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of fall short

Phrase

Ohioans are getting bombarded with Republican ads on tax cuts, but the message is falling flat with many voters who feel the weight of higher prices.

— Jarrell Dillard, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2026
In its uncertain tonality and zany humor that falls flat, that’s the Waititi film that Klara and the Sun most resembles.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of fall flat

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.

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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 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of come up empty

phrase

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