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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 empty
Adjective
Cincinnati Public Schools Current school board President Kareem Moncree-Moffett, longtime member Brandon Craig and Jim Crosset, appointed last year to fill an empty seat left by Mike Moroski, make up the incumbents running for reelection. Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Nov. 2025 Speaking of those empty seats … Are the Penguins concerned about the decrease in attendance? Josh Yohe, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
The Cumrige Self-Cleaning Litter Box automatically cleans up after cats and has a waste bin that only needs to be emptied every two weeks. Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025 Shelters packed beyond capacity with migrants just nine months ago have nearly emptied. Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for empty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for empty
Adjective
  • Banking has become functionally correct but emotionally devoid, with the industry swimming in a sea of sameness.
    Michael Abbott, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • That devoid ingredient hindered things exponentially.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 15 Feb. 2024
Adjective
  • Plus, having some extra small plates around before the big meal is a clever way to keep hungry family members out of the kitchen.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
  • But then as now, people cherished the underdog aspect of the album — the artist taking a stand, defying the odds, staying hungry.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Without the artist, the law becomes meaningless.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • On Saturday, a group of Texas A&M fans gathered in a hole in the LSU student section and did some of LSU’s cheers after the Tigers scored a meaningless touchdown in the final moments.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • They are also known to trick miners into quarrying worthless ore, following veins of what appears to be copper or silver, but when smelted, is found to be without value or, worse, poisonous.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Should the stock rise, the option expires worthless, and the investor keeps the premium.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Barkan’s was one of several unsuccessful progressive campaigns Mamdani worked on before getting a job as a foreclosure prevention counselor at a nonprofit.
    Ben Adler, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
  • There have been a handful of topping bids this year, including an unsuccessful attempt by hedge fund Alden Global to beat out Hearst in its deal for the Dallas Morning News.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The court found Kurashov guilty of firing on the Ukrainian soldier at point blank range during an attack in the vicinity of the village of Pryiutne in the Zaporizhzhia region on January 6, 2024.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Similarly, in the second move, the number eight from the top row is moved down, creating a blank square in the middle of the top row.
    Big Think, Big Think, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Armed police officers were seen running down the platform at the station, evacuating passengers while looking to neutralize any ongoing threat, British news agency PA Media reported.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2025
  • The number of people evacuated from Cauto Embarcadero, Melones, Cayama and other villages was expected to rise up to 7,500, Alonso said.
    Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Whatever your candy preference, no one wants to spend the evening strolling barren streets hoping to find some goodies.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
  • An arid, barren landscape with extreme temperature swings from 45 to -40 degrees Celsius (113 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit).
    Rosanna Philpott, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Empty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empty. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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