emptiness 1 of 3

Definition of emptinessnext

empty

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adjective

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empty

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verb

as in to evacuate
to remove the contents of empty the room before starting to paint the ceiling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective empty contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of empty are blank, vacant, vacuous, and void. While all these words mean "lacking contents which could or should be present," empty suggests a complete absence of contents.

an empty bucket

When might blank be a better fit than empty?

While in some cases nearly identical to empty, blank stresses the absence of any significant, relieving, or intelligible features on a surface.

a blank wall

When could vacant be used to replace empty?

The words vacant and empty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vacant suggests an absence of appropriate contents or occupants.

a vacant apartment

When is vacuous a more appropriate choice than empty?

Although the words vacuous and empty have much in common, vacuous suggests the emptiness of a vacuum and especially the lack of intelligence or significance.

a vacuous facial expression

When would void be a good substitute for empty?

The meanings of void and empty largely overlap; however, void suggests absolute emptiness as far as the mind or senses can determine.

a statement void of meaning

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 emptiness
Noun
The tens of thousands of conference attendees who surged into downtown San Jose this week provided a stark contrast to the typical daytime emptiness, and highlighted the otherwise sluggish recovery of the city’s economically vital conference and convention business. Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026 The emptiness was an eerie reminder of how the country felt during Covid-19. Emma Graham, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The prospect of empty seats would alarm the television networks and sponsors who have paid top dollar to be associated with the tournament. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 Saint Remy was carrying a 40 caliber Smith and Wesson hand gun with an empty magazine. Updated April 20, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
Always empty the saucer of excess water. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026 Miami then emptied its bench late in the blowout win. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emptiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emptiness
Noun
  • My life don’t have to be all hunger and silty beans.
    Jesmyn Ward, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The market will take up to two years to complete, but many along Deerpath know that a fresh food shop coming to the vacant lot also feeds the hunger for community value and respect.
    Steve Pickett, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The league was formed in the 1940s to fill the void left by male players who went off to fight in World War II.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Stukes could help replace the size/speed void left by Riq Woolen while also offering some safety flexibility after Coby Bryant’s departure.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Additionally, Davids requested data on current staff vacancies at NWS field offices in Pleasant Hill, Topeka, Wichita, Springfield, Dodge City, Goodland and Hastings.
    Matthew Kelly April 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Death creates another vacancy Scott’s death slightly widens Republicans’ narrow House majority going into the thick of this midterm election year.
    Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • These are great for traveling or if your yard is devoid of things to attach to.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect.
    Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The global micro-drama surge is also the story of a predominantly female audience, hungry for romance and fantasy, sidestepping legacy gatekeepers.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The hungry yet uninitiated may enter the new 1986 Steak House, glance around and wonder whose likeness that is on the wall.
    Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Converting such a one-month jump to an annual rate is meaningless.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Some experts said the conclusions were meaningless because the review swept under one umbrella drugs that had shown very dissimilar results and worked differently.
    Ed Silverman, STAT, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This does nothing to help onboard new VGC players, who are now more likely to pick a worthless item that puts them at a disadvantage.
    Kallie Plagge, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Remove those incentives and innovation will slow – while farmers’ already substantial investments become worthless.
    John Cleveland, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Efforts by Knight's attorneys to appeal the case have so far been unsuccessful.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Harry launched an unsuccessful bid for City Council in 2010.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emptiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emptiness. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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