EMPTYING Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

emptying

verb

present participle of empty

as in clearing

to remove the contents of empty the room before starting to paint the ceiling

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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 emptying The trapped man was discovered when the driver of the Recology commercial collection truck was emptying a dumpster at a hotel on the 100 block of Mason Street and heard yelling, according to Robert Reed, a spokesman for Recology. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 This last step includes putting screens on windows and doors, using air conditioning and emptying out containers with still water. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 My biggest gripe with this cleaner concerns emptying the debris basket. — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 Lake Powell has reached record low water levels in recent days, and along with Lake Mead to its south has been emptying amid severe drought in the West. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Lipski said custodial staff were cleaning, emptying out classrooms and moving furniture into hallways to prepare for the upcoming school year. — Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 21 Aug. 2026 That’s huge for us in terms of being professional, emptying the tank, but also recovering. — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026 The workers are in the district’s landscape maintenance, conservation and experiential programming, fleet and facilities departments — clearing roads, mowing lawns, cleaning buildings, maintaining trails and emptying trash cans. — A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026 Regularly emptying your bladder is important to avoid discomfort and possible infections. — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emptying

Verb

Neighbors clearing debris stopped to congratulate the couple.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026
After carefully clearing the surroundings, researchers imaged each footprint using a high-resolution 3D surface scanner.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of clearing

Verb

After the north tower was hit first by an American Airlines plane, Aon started evacuating its employees in the south tower, a move that was not taken by some other companies where employees were told to remain in place.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
In addition, many Israelis have taken pride in their country’s assistance to ill or wounded Palestinians during Israel’s war against Hamas by evacuating them for treatment outside Gaza.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of evacuating

Verb

Best Last-Chance Amazon Home Labor Day Sales Give your home a refresh with last-minute deals on fresh cozy bedding, cleaning gadgets, and décor.

— Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
Dip your microfiber cloth into the mixture and apply it to the zellige tiles, cleaning in gentle circles.

— Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of cleaning

Verb

What is clear is that Keith and Camilla’s search for answers is time-consuming, mentally draining and deeply frustrating, compounded by their grief and not helped by what feels like a lack of accountability.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Condensation water was draining slowly from the walk-in cooler at the floor drain.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of draining

Verb

With Hageman vacating her seat, nine Republicans are vying for the GOP nomination and two Democrats are competing for their nomination.

— Caroline Linton, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams is moving to second base for the Washington Nationals, vacating the only position he's played during his five seasons with the club.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of vacating

Verb

The Cuban government announced some of those key measures became law, including eliminating a cap on the number of employees and allowing direct access to foreign trade.

— Rick Jervis, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
The value is in eliminating or reducing steps, gaps, handoffs and even roles.

— Chris Burchett, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of eliminating

Browse Nearby Words

empty-headed

emptying

empyreal

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“Emptying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emptying. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of emptying

verb

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