emptiness 1 of 3

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
Adjective
Jackman and Furness purchased an empty 2.5-acre waterfront plot for $3.5 million in 2015 and spent the next six years building a custom Long Island retreat with three bedrooms, five bathrooms, a guest house and access to a private beach. Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 30 May 2025 The restaurant’s hand-washing facilities were blocked by crates, a cart and cases, and a paper towel dispenser was empty. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
Rounding it all out: a lengthy double-gated driveway that passes between a pair of matching 2,000-square-foot carriage houses and over a bridge before emptying out at a circular motor court, along with an eight-car garage complemented by a subterranean six-car garage for all your toys. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 23 May 2025 The ejection occurred in the third inning, forcing the Red Sox to empty their bullpen. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for emptiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emptiness
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza blocked and offloaded 77 food trucks, the U.N. World Food Program said, as hunger mounts amid Israel's monthslong blockade of the territory.
    SAM MEDNICK, Arkansas Online, 1 June 2025
  • Snacks can be a great option to help quell hunger, provide a boost of energy, and allow for an extra intake of beneficial nutrients.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • At the time, City were also looking at Harry Kane to fill the centre-forward void left by the departure during the same window of Sergio Aguero.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 31 May 2025
  • Colin Rea, Matt Boyd, Ben Brown and rookie Cade Horton have collectively filled the void so far, as evidenced by the Cubs’ 14-8 record since Imanaga’s injury.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Cooper also brought up the passing of Proposition 36, funding for courthouse staff and a significant vacancy rate among the department.
    Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
  • By April, nearly half of weather service forecast offices had 20% vacancy rates.
    Graham Underwood, Arkansas Online, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Banking has become functionally correct but emotionally devoid, with the industry swimming in a sea of sameness.
    Michael Abbott, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Delle, devoid for so long from its intrinsic need for social interaction might be filling in the gaps by talking to himself.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 14 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • Notably, the current roster has more from the top North American league, MLS, and fewer from European clubs, perhaps to get an infusion from hungrier players who have been playing regularly for their teams.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2025
  • This coordinated reaction suggests the hungry nematodes may be joining together to easily hitch a ride on larger animals such as insects that transport them to (not so) greener pastures with more rotten fruit to feast on, Perez said.
    Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • And if your tax attorney crafts a great benefits plan for your business but fails to communicate the specifics to your retirement broker, the plan is meaningless.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Charlie Comfort, a Democrat from the former early-voting state of Iowa, said the critiques of Murphy and Khanna are meaningless so long after the 2024 election.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even as Amtrak officials were sitting with Hochul yesterday and offering her more worthless promises, the Amtrak Board of Directors was holding a rare public session.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025
  • At the same time, a blanket rule against nationwide injunctions would render many court orders worthless.
    Ian Millhiser, Vox, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • One game after the Oilers were unsuccessful in challenging that Bennett interfered with Stuart Skinner during the game’s first goal, Bennett toppled over Skinner after getting contact from Ekholm later in the period.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 7 June 2025
  • Efforts to reach Suncor officials for this story were unsuccessful.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 7 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emptiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emptiness. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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