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hollow

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of hollow

(Entry 1 of 3)

curved inward

there's a noticeably hollow spot in the mattress where he has been sleeping

Synonyms for hollow

Words Related to hollow

dimpled,
pockmarked

Near Antonyms for hollow

Antonyms for hollow

hollow

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of hollow (Entry 2 of 3)

1 a sunken area forming a separate space

made a little hollow in her mound of mashed potatoes and filled it with gravy

Synonyms for hollow

Words Related to hollow

Near Antonyms for hollow

Antonyms for hollow

2 an area of lowland between hills or mountains

a quaint village nestled in a hollow among green hills

Synonyms for hollow

dale,
dene
[British],
vale,
valley

Words Related to hollow

canyon
(also cañon),
combe
(also coombe or coomb)
[British],
dell,
depression,
dingle,
glen,
gorge,
gulch,
gully
(also gulley),
kloof
[South African],
ravine,
rift valley

basin,
bowl

Near Antonyms for hollow

plateau,
tableland

hollow

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of hollow (Entry 3 of 3)

as in excavate, groove

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for hollow

penetrate

broach,
tap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms for hollow

Frequently Asked Questions About hollow

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