VACANT Synonyms: 185 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'vacant' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vacant are blank , empty , vacuous , and void . While all these words mean "lacking contents which could or should be present," vacant suggests an absence of appropriate contents or occupants. // a vacant apartment

Q: When can 'blank' be used instead of 'vacant'?

While in some cases nearly identical to vacant , blank stresses the absence of any significant, relieving, or intelligible features on a surface. // a blank wall

Q: When would 'empty' be a good substitute for 'vacant'?

In some situations, the words empty and vacant are roughly equivalent. However, empty suggests a complete absence of contents. // an empty bucket

Q: When is 'vacuous' a more appropriate choice than 'vacant'?

While the synonyms vacuous and vacant are close in meaning, vacuous suggests the emptiness of a vacuum and especially the lack of intelligence or significance. // a vacuous facial expression

Q: When is it sensible to use 'void' instead of 'vacant'?

The words void and vacant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, void suggests absolute emptiness as far as the mind or senses can determine. // a statement void of meaning

vacant

adjective

ˈvā-kənt

Definition of vacant next

as in empty

lacking contents that could or should be present a vacant room that could be converted into a classroom

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dormant

not being in a state of use, activity, or employment looking for vacant land on which to build a house

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in blank

not expressing any emotion the prisoner's vacant and distracted expression

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as in deserted

left unoccupied or unused police discovered that vagrants had been sleeping in the vacant warehouse

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vacant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vacant are blank, empty, vacuous, and void. While all these words mean "lacking contents which could or should be present," vacant suggests an absence of appropriate contents or occupants.

a vacant apartment

When can blank be used instead of vacant?

While in some cases nearly identical to vacant, blank stresses the absence of any significant, relieving, or intelligible features on a surface.

a blank wall

When would empty be a good substitute for vacant?

In some situations, the words empty and vacant are roughly equivalent. However, empty suggests a complete absence of contents.

an empty bucket

When is vacuous a more appropriate choice than vacant?

While the synonyms vacuous and vacant are close in meaning, vacuous suggests the emptiness of a vacuum and especially the lack of intelligence or significance.

a vacuous facial expression

When is it sensible to use void instead of vacant?

The words void and vacant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, void suggests absolute emptiness as far as the mind or senses can determine.

a statement void of meaning

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 vacant The property is partially developed with residential, commercial and vacant land. —

Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026 The department proposed laying off 10 employees and eliminating 12 vacant positions. —

Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026 New life, with a twist of lime, is coming to a vacant anchor spot in the BoDo district of downtown Boise. —

Michael Deeds updated May 5, Idaho Statesman, 5 May 2026 The vacant 19th and Vine buildings, however, have an open dangerous buildings case, records show, and have been boarded up. —

Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for vacant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vacant

Adjective

It’s been maddening to watch a lineup full of high-end hitters come up empty night after night in April, a month that has felt as long as about three.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
After sitting empty since Sting and Styler moved out, per the New York Post, the stylish spread has just returned to the market for $45 million, a whopping $5 million less than the current owner paid.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2026

Definition of empty

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vacancy

vacant

vacantness

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“Vacant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vacant. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of vacant

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