hollow 1 of 3

hollow

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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
Democratic lawmakers have called Kehoe’s effort misleading and hollow, saying the money was also minuscule compared to the $130 million the state receives each month to provide federal food assistance to more than 650,000 residents. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025 Some celebrated this seemingly progressive addition to the Potter universe, but others were quick to note that the move felt hollow considering the anti-trans vitriol that Rowling has shared online. Quispe López, Them., 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
Detractors wondered if the unending positivity was beneficial in the locker room, if the optimism was starting to ring hollow. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025 Critics argue that Thiel’s warnings about the Antichrist ring hollow given his role in building the very surveillance infrastructure that could enable authoritarian control. Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
The responsibility lies with leaders to use it in ways that strengthen creativity rather than hollowing it out. Rod Yancy, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025 But as time goes on, and more and more dollars flow out while more and more goods come in, the country starts hollowing itself out. Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hollow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hollow
Adjective
  • As the electrons pushed outward toward the tube walls, the plasma shaped itself like a concave lens.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The Soarin’ hang-gliding flight simulator attractions combine mechanical lift systems with three rows of seats and aerial footage projected onto an 80-foot-tall concave domed movie screen to create a visual tour tied to a specific theme.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Dodgers could add Tucker to fill the massive hole in their outfield.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The HLSLongsleeve base layer features integrated thumb holes and an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of at least 40.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Minimalist 11-foot-tall Styline windows frame picturesque views sweeping from the valley to the Vegas skyline and mountains beyond.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Temperatures could end up 15 degrees below average for much of the Plains, Midwest and portions of the Ohio and Tennessee valleys.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • At least the climactic pandemonium has some of that old REC intensity; Plaza dynamically orchestrates the violence, dazzling the eyes of his audience one minute, gouging the eyes of his characters the next.
    A.A. Dowd, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Ella’s son is now 7 and sometimes traipses downstairs to gouge his grandparents’ cereal collection.
    Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Now here’s Auburn, debating whether to retain sunken coach Hugh Freeze for a fourth season.
    Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The home features a walkout basement with a movie theater, spa, custom workout room and sunken golf simulator, Heffernan said.
    Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The dent was big enough for a Stop Sale on the tomato sauce.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The note that tariffs on Chinese imports, even after the 10-percentage-point cut announced, remain high enough to put a serious dent on import volume.
    Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Related diseases come from isotopes in the nuclear fallout that can penetrate the human body and cause mutations in DNA, according to a 2024 paper from the American Society of Clinical Oncology Journal.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
  • This play can penetrate the walls of people's homes and their personal experiences in such intimate ways.
    Esther Zuckerman, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Using high-resolution micro-CT scanning, the team confirmed that the tantalum formed a rigid internal framework that trapped liquid copper within microscopic cavities.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Medullary bone is temporary tissue that forms inside a cavity in long bones of birds and dinosaurs to provide calcium for eggshells, and was previously used in research to identify a pregnant Tyrannosaurus rex in 2016.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hollow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hollow. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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