hollow 1 of 3

Definition of hollownext

hollow

2 of 3

noun

hollow

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hollow distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of hollow are empty, idle, nugatory, otiose, and vain. While all these words mean "being without worth or significance," empty and hollow suggest a deceiving lack of real substance or soundness or genuineness.

an empty attempt at reconciliation
a hollow victory

When is it sensible to use idle instead of hollow?

Although the words idle and hollow have much in common, idle suggests being incapable of worthwhile use or effect.

idle speculations

When could nugatory be used to replace hollow?

The synonyms nugatory and hollow are sometimes interchangeable, but nugatory suggests triviality or insignificance.

a monarch with nugatory powers

When can otiose be used instead of hollow?

In some situations, the words otiose and hollow are roughly equivalent. However, otiose suggests that something serves no purpose and is either an encumbrance or a superfluity.

a film without a single otiose scene

Where would vain be a reasonable alternative to hollow?

While in some cases nearly identical to hollow, vain implies either absolute or relative absence of value.

vain promises

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 hollow
Adjective
Every defense organization has people in it, uniformed and civilian, who are morally hollow and see only figures on a map that must be targeted for elimination. Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2026 The creamy feel and thocky sound of the TH87’s keys are achieved using five-layers of sound-optimizing materials that absorb shock, suppress hollow noises and eliminate metallic pings. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Noun
But Pezeshkian doesn’t control the security forces, so these pronouncements ring hollow. Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 1 Jan. 2026 Until that changes, every future panel on Black wealth will ring hollow. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 23 Dec. 2025
Verb
First, carve a wide mouth out of the top of a large gourd and then thoroughly hollow it out. Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025 Rising rents, gentrification, and the pressure of tourism have hollowed many of them out. Clarissa Wei, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hollow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hollow
Adjective
  • Lightly wet just the concave side of the board and place it on a damp kitchen towel on your countertop.
    Lizzy Briskin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The cello’s top and back are made from flat, concave carbon-fiber panels.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 9 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • This week’s forecast, appropriately enough, calls for sunshine and temperatures in the mid-70s for the 72-hole event.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Across the street, crime scene investigators took photos of a silver Chevy car, which had at least one bullet hole in its front windshield.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Cumberland Gap Where Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia meet, Cumberland Gap sits in a valley that looks up at the famous gap in the Cumberland Mountain range from which the town gets its name.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Narrow, winding streets and passageways lead up to the centuries-old Eglise Saint-Sauveur for sweeping views of the rugged valley.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Resorts gouge their customers at the window, and their customers find a workaround.
    Graham Averill, Outside, 16 Jan. 2026
  • The price-gouging allegation dates back to the early months of the pandemic, when panic over shortages led to massive supermarket shopping sprees, and some products, such as eggs, saw sharp price increases.
    Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Guests can relax by the sunken pool, inspired by classic Texas swimming holes; an on-site spa is also available.
    Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2025
  • But when a recipe specifically calls for something else, substituting another type may leave you with a sunken cake or flat biscuits.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Now that Musk has massively tarnished the brand with his public embrace of far-right ideologies, putting a major dent in its cars’ desirability, and competition in the space is stronger than ever, particularly from China, the richest man in the world is ready to move on to his next shiny obsession.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The sector has sold off in recent months on worries that new AI tools will deteriorate demand for their workflows and licenses and put a dent in long-standing revenue models.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Advanced technologies like microencapsulation and nano-layering allow actives to penetrate effectively without overwhelming the skin’s surface—reducing irritation while improving efficacy.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Plus, Neutrogena’s patented micro-peptide technology, which allows the peptides to penetrate more easily into the skin and better, boosts collagen and elastin production.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • There were also punctures on the outer table of the skull, injuries to the teeth and tongue, and a hemorrhage into the chest cavities, according to the filing.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
  • In addition, the three species may huddle together in a tree cavity or nest box to share warmth and survive extremely cold nights.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hollow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hollow. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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