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as in stupid
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily a movie that was enthusiastically derided for its vacuous dialogue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vacuous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vacuous are blank, empty, vacant, and void. While all these words mean "lacking contents which could or should be present," 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 blank instead of vacuous?

In some situations, the words blank and vacuous are roughly equivalent. However, blank stresses the absence of any significant, relieving, or intelligible features on a surface.

a blank wall

In what contexts can empty take the place of vacuous?

The meanings of empty and vacuous largely overlap; however, empty suggests a complete absence of contents.

an empty bucket

Where would vacant be a reasonable alternative to vacuous?

The words vacant and vacuous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vacant suggests an absence of appropriate contents or occupants.

a vacant apartment

When would void be a good substitute for vacuous?

The synonyms void and vacuous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 vacuous The result is a cacophonous temper tantrum, a vacuous and perfidious advertisement for military recruitment. Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025 The vacuous idea was to simply log into the generative AI app and start typing. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 The president is an aspirational dictator, and no transparently vacuous rhetoric can undercut this glaring truth that informs the collusive efforts of Russian and U.S. actions. Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025 This circles back to the comment about the Australian government’s investment in Australian cinema, is that when in the earlier drafts of the script, Ken (Grace’s husband) was just a bit vacuous, one-dimensional. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vacuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vacuous
Adjective
  • Banking has become functionally correct but emotionally devoid, with the industry swimming in a sea of sameness.
    Michael Abbott, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Delle, devoid for so long from its intrinsic need for social interaction might be filling in the gaps by talking to himself.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 14 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • Not just on the training pitch but in the dorm rooms, talking about the future and giggling at stupid jokes.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • President Donald Trump said only stupid people would refuse a $400 million gift.
    Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • One night at dinner, my daughter whispered to me that the empty bread basket was a bummer.
    Lauren Mechling, Vogue, 19 May 2025
  • The mad sorceress Eudoxia, Empress of Troy, has died, leaving the Serpent Throne empty.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Ratajkowski has been fighting the stereotype of the dumb model from the beginning of her career.
    Daniel Jackson, Allure, 18 July 2017
  • Ninety nine percent of all NFL players are explicitly not dumb.
    Andy Benoit, The MMQB, 10 July 2017
Adjective
  • In the early 1900s, Jennie Butchart transformed the scarred land of a barren limestone quarry into a lush retreat, proving nature’s resilience.
    Cheryl Russell, Oc Register, 11 May 2025
  • The inky ocean depths are often assumed to be barren, but this is a myth, said Adrian Glover, a deep-sea ocean scientist at the UK’s Natural History Museum.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • France One of my upcoming podcast guests, Mary Alice Duff, decided to swap the hustle of life in Philadelphia for the slower pace of southern France.
    Cepee Tabibian, CNBC, 18 May 2025
  • Life has likely felt a bit nebulous and slow for you in the past year, Cancer.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Trevon Williams, who did not escape from the New Orleans jail, was charged with 10 counts of being a principal to simple escape, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on May 23.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • As artificial intelligence models grow increasingly sophisticated, their capabilities extend far beyond simple task execution.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The younger Cave, with a mop of jet black hair and thick eyebrows just like his father, is talking to The Hollywood Reporter about being directed by Kristen Stewart in her feature film debut.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
  • Starting with the build, the Swift Edge 14 AI measures just 0.65 inch thick and weighs 2.18 pounds.
    Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vacuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vacuous. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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