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
Flynn then shot Gregg in the head with a hollow-point bullet. Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 None of those are toxic, but the right plant has hollow, single, unbranched stems with milky sap and smooth leaves growing in a basal rosette. Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
Topographic maps and a compass are a big help in locating ridges, hollows, and creeks. Bruce Brady, Outdoor Life, 8 Apr. 2026 Generously pipe filling into hollow of each egg white half (save any leftover filling in the fridge for another use). Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
That’s the joke at the heart of Washington: The very struggle that’s hollowed the place out is also the only way it can be renewed. Josh Tyrangiel, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026 Near the pool, shallow stone hollows mark where Zibibbo grapes were once laid out to dry for Passito di Pantelleria, the island’s renowned sweet wine. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hollow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hollow
Adjective
  • Using a clean towel, apply a generous amount of food-safe mineral oil to the concave side.
    Staff Author, Martha Stewart, 31 Mar. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • The project calls for the company to drill as many as 18 holes down some 1,000 feet into the Earth to collect samples.
    Sarah Raza, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026
  • Another early hole The Lightning outplayed the Canadiens for much of the first period but couldn’t score the opening goal.
    Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Having been surpassed, as an athlete, by Alex Honnold, the new free soloist in the valley, Potter, then in his early forties, reimagined himself as a performance artist, of a kind.
    Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • Run a putty knife along the wet popcorn ceiling to scrape off the popcorn texture, but be careful to avoid gouging the ceiling with the corner of the putty knife.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Beyond the claims itself, evidence released in the trial had revealed some unflattering conversations between Live Nation representatives, perhaps most notably a set of exchanges between two regional employees bragging to each other about gouging concertgoers on ancillary fees and parking spaces.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Lounge in the sunken living room, avocado velour.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • An indoor water fountain is also an eye-catching feature, placed inside a sunken area of the restaurant that offers an elevated feel.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Avoid cans that have dents or lid damage, as this can increase the risk of bacteria that cause botulism (a form of food poisoning).
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026
  • But the creators of The Longest Table project are hoping to make a dent in what the World Health Organization has identified as a significant public health issue when the free public community event rolls into Miami on Friday.
    Connie Ogle April 30, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The standard method for identifying when an SPE occurred is measuring carbon-14, produced when high-energy photos penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field (usually near the poles) and collide with gases in the atmosphere.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026
  • At least 19 drones penetrated Polish airspace in that instance, according to Warsaw.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • The nests also serve as sort of warehouses for any additional materials the birds might need to shore up their original nests, and lastly, nesting boxes that appear occupied keep other cavity dwelling birds from moving into the wrens’ territory.
    Joan Morris, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
  • Melanoma in his lung and liver cavity.
    Matt Baker, New York Times, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hollow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hollow. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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