hollow 1 of 3

hollow

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noun

hollow

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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
According to their analysis of the P-waves and S-waves detected by SEIS, there is water in the porous rock, filling the cracks and hollows between 6 and 12 miles (10 and 20 kilometers) deep. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2025 Nearby, New York-based, Peru-produced Sordo’s killer hollow polished bronze and silver showed why designers are turning to other metals to combat the ever-rising price of gold. Kate Matthams, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
This atrophy can cause the fat pads on top of the muscles to fall, giving the face a more sagging or hollow appearance, Reszko said. Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 21 June 2025 This wasp builds tan paper nests containing several hundred workers in hollow trees, walls, and attics. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
Verb
To start, thoroughly clean the coupes out, then remove the bases, and thread the hollow stems onto an appropriately sized wooden dowel rod. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025 For me, my main concern was mild laxity in my lower face, some out-of-nowhere hollows under my eyes, and general dullness. Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hollow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hollow
Adjective
  • High atop a particularly craggy one, the rainfall gets a toehold beneath soil clinging to a very steep and slightly concave slope of rock.
    Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 19 May 2025
  • Jan, 2022 Was the mask sandwiched between concave and convex metal electrodes?
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 14 Sep. 2020
Noun
  • Now that hole is being filled with full service, amenitized buildings and a public park along the two mile canal.
    Shimon Shkury, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Fuller was then released in February, and the Dolphins still have a major hole for starting-caliber cornerbacks ahead of nickel Kader Kohou after the draft.
    David Furones, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • On Pressing Onward, Freedia is creating her own religious experience of sorts — one that marries the powerful peaks and sonorous valleys of gospel with the irrepressible, relentless energy of bounce.
    Joe Lynch, Billboard, 23 June 2025
  • The restaurant overlooks the Little Sugar Creek valley and offers a multicourse tasting menu by reservation only. Conifer, Cooper's first restaurant, is known for a completely gluten-free menu, which changes seasonally.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • The reborn, unrecognizable, completely delicious Beethoven Market isn’t trying to gouge or dazzle or food-snob its way to success.
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • The duties will gouge Americans on cars, food, appliances, electronics, furniture, clothing and — well, nearly everything.
    Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Another boater reported the sunken ship Wednesday afternoon to Brewster Fire and Rescue, which then notified the Massachusetts State Police and Massachusetts Environmental Police.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 11 June 2025
  • The most prominent art piece is a copper oak tree that stands next to the sunken living room.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • That could help make a dent in the high figure of 60% of energy that buildings use to cool their internal spaces, especially in warmer places like Singapore and the Middle East.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 23 June 2025
  • Sam Poulin Poulin was selected 21st overall in the 2019 NHL Draft but has never made a dent at the NHL level.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • Still, leaping over a 100-foot ravine with a baby clinging to your back seems like a daring choice.
    Skylar Knight, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The 12-Day War saw Israeli fighters penetrate deep inside Iranian airspace with little to no resistance, including non-stealthy fourth-generation fighters like F-16s.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • According to its manufacturer, Boeing, the Harpoon Block II missile is armed with a 500-pound penetrating high-explosive warhead and is capable of striking ships more than 77 miles away.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hollow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hollow. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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