coming up empty

phrase

present participle of come up empty
as in failing
to be unsuccessful We searched for a viable candidate but came up empty.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coming up empty
  1. falling short
  2. falling flat
Phrase
  • Wells Fargo Wells Fargo reported a mixed quarter Tuesday, beating earnings estimates but falling short on revenue.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Blue Jays were about to go on a magical run that would come within inches of a title, ultimately falling short in an all-time classic of a World Series.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of falling short
Phrase
  • The bullpens battled to a scoreless draw, the Dodgers’ last stand falling flat after Tucker and pinch-hitting rookie Josue De Paula drew a pair of two-out walks against Brewers closer Trevor Megill.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The resilient fill bounces back night after night, maintaining its shape without falling flat.
    — V BRAND STORIES, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of falling 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.

Browse Nearby Words

coming up
coming up empty
coming up with
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Cite this Entry

“Coming up empty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coming%20up%20empty. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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