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
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when Jenna said the tank of acetylene was empty. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 May 2025 Ehlers added a second goal with the Stars’ net empty. Murat Ates, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Verb
Every day, a housemate was assigned to clean the kitchen and the bathroom and to empty the garbage. Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 The Jets emptied their net and watched as the seconds ticked off the clock in the offensive zone, just hoping for a shot on net to give them a chance at the 3-3 tie and the game in overtime. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for emptiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emptiness
Noun
  • At the same time, molecules act on brain regions involved in appetite control, slowing stomach emptying and reducing hunger throughout the day.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 20 May 2025
  • Even the United States, a staunch ally of Israel, has voiced concerns over the growing hunger crisis.
    Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Machine learning combined with AI fills the data processing void and allows brands to deliver personalized experiences both rapidly and at scale.
    Amit Ojha, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • Also, opening up the plants a little can allow new shoots to fill the voids.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Lawyers from across the state have the opportunity to select an at-large attorney member who serves as chair of the commission, which routinely evaluates dozens of applications to fill court vacancies.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 25 May 2025
  • Trump could have controlled the board by appointing members to fill two vacancies.
    David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 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
  • Though she’s excelled on the NCAA stage – helping LSU to its 2024 title and earning multiple SEC titles, McClain is hungry for more.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • But after the county launched an aggressive public campaign to educate residents about securing garbage containers that attract hungry bears with no access to a natural food supply, incident reports plummeted.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • And yet, in certain ways, the film doesn’t go as deep as Orwell’s observations; its choice of illustrative material generally hews to contemporary party lines, even while showcasing wise words that render such distinctions all but meaningless.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
  • Passion projects are paused indefinitely, tasks feel meaningless, and things at work that used to make sense now just seem pointless.
    Lindsay Kohler, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Life seems almost worthless in this world, as the lack of interest two federal police officers show in the dead body establishes why Marcelo can’t go to the authorities for help.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 May 2025
  • The answer is that American assurances are worthless.
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Later that month, Kalyn Free, an attorney from Oklahoma who was unsuccessful in her bid for a vice chair position, filed a complaint alleging that the DNC improperly merged two separate questions into a single vote.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Several attempts to establish at least a partial ceasefire have been unsuccessful.
    DASHA LITVINOVA, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Emptiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emptiness. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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