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
  • 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
  • So before the first guest turned up, there was enough food for a hungry crowd.
    Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 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
  • The trouble is that in and of themselves, trade deficits (or surpluses) are meaningless measures of a nation’s economic health.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Ever since Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise’s films have imposed a sense of duty on audiences — a different purpose than other meaningless, direct-to-streaming content with zero purpose.
    Armond White, National Review, 23 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
  • Officials said he was found semiconscious on the River Trail on June 30 but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 24 May 2025
  • Efforts to refloat the ship during high tide on Thursday were unsuccessful.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Emptiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emptiness. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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