void 1 of 3

adjective

ˈvȯid How to pronounce void (audio)
Definition of voidnext
1
as in null
having no legal or binding force an agreement is void if obtained by force

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2
as in empty
lacking contents that could or should be present a nuclear explosion that would leave the landscape as void and lifeless as one could imagine

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3
as in devoid
utterly lacking in something needed, wanted, or expected entirely void of common sense

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4
as in deserted
left unoccupied or unused the cornfields lay void under a blanket of snow

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void

2 of 3

noun

1
as in gap
an incomplete or deficient area a repressed memory that left a huge void in her recollection of her adolescent years

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2
as in emptiness
empty space those ancient travelers who traversed those vast watery voids between the islands of Oceania

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3
as in hole
an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge) the client wanted an old-fashioned stone wall and did not want the voids filled in with mortar

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void

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to repeal
to put an end to by formal action the court's decision voided the will the cashier voided the sale when the customer realized his wallet was at home

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2
as in to empty
to remove the contents of the seller has promised to void the house of all furniture

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective void contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of void are blank, empty, vacant, and vacuous. While all these words mean "lacking contents which could or should be present," void suggests absolute emptiness as far as the mind or senses can determine.

a statement void of meaning

When is it sensible to use blank instead of void?

The words blank and void are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, blank stresses the absence of any significant, relieving, or intelligible features on a surface.

a blank wall

When might empty be a better fit than void?

The synonyms empty and void are sometimes interchangeable, but empty suggests a complete absence of contents.

an empty bucket

When can vacant be used instead of void?

In some situations, the words vacant and void are roughly equivalent. However, vacant suggests an absence of appropriate contents or occupants.

a vacant apartment

In what contexts can vacuous take the place of void?

Although the words vacuous and void have much in common, vacuous suggests the emptiness of a vacuum and especially the lack of intelligence or significance.

a vacuous facial expression

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 void
Adjective
There’s also a big spider thing that emerges from void portals sometimes. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 David Moore will need to fill the veteran void by supporting a young group of playmakers. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
That communal void is felt by Craig Waterman (Robinson) following the termination of his brief friendship with Austin (Paul Rudd), the cool new neighbor who, in the first act, magically injects Craig’s life with a male friend group, outdoor adventures, jam sessions, and evening hangs. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025 As America mourns the loss of Charlie Kirk, a substantive void must be addressed. —Alex Rosado, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
Leonard reportedly didn't have any obligations to the company, and a clause in one of the documents stated that the deal would be voided if Leonard left the franchise. —Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 Intel also said that the potential for a changing political landscape in Washington could challenge or void the deal and create risks to current and future shareholders. —Chris Eudaily, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for void
Recent Examples of Synonyms for void
  1. empty
  2. devoid
  3. deserted
  4. gap
  5. emptiness
  6. hole
  7. repeal
  8. invalid
Adjective
  • But the White House should not settle for empty promises and construction photo-ops.
    — Joel Thayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Jîna’s parents, Mojgan Eftekhari and Amjad Amini, sat beside her empty grave.
    — Fatemeh Jamalpour, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of empty
Adjective
  • Banking has become functionally correct but emotionally devoid, with the industry swimming in a sea of sameness.
    — Michael Abbott, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • That devoid ingredient hindered things exponentially.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 15 Feb. 2024
Definition of devoid
Adjective
  • So how does Fernanda end up bound on the floor of a deserted cabin, held hostage by one of her teachers and estranged from Annelise?
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Days are spent fishing, snorkeling, and picnicking on deserted Indian Ocean islands, while nights are spent sleeping under the stars.
    — Ian Proctor, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2025
Definition of deserted
Noun
  • Companies are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally held by colleges, universities, and trade schools, creating their own certification programs to address skill gaps that formal education hasn't filled.
    — Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Frustrations have been mounting among young people in Nepal over the country's unemployment and wealth gap.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of gap
Noun
  • The emptiness gives her space to think.
    — Keith Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Voisin — who played another hero of a French classic in Xavier Giannoli’s 2021 adaptation of Balzac’s Lost Illusions — carries the entire drama as a lost soul whose physical beauty (perfect jawline, killer abs) can hardly conceal the emptiness inside of him.
    — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Definition of emptiness
Noun
  • On the 18th hole of the final match, Nicklaus sank his par putt and then conceded Tony Jacklin’s short par putt, ensuring both the match and the Ryder Cup ended in a tie.
    — Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • My only shot was through a hole the size of a business card between some limbs.
    — Jack Atcheson Sr. as told to Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of hole
Verb
  • Initially, both the Treasury Department and key congressional leaders were determined to repeal the SALT deduction entirely.
    — Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Federal officials have said that repealing the rule would allow for more flexible management for local land managers and aid in preventing destructive wildfires.
    — John Leos, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of repeal
Adjective
  • The other client of Miami’s Rawsi Williams in the Bar’s petition, however, filed a Bar grievance after the first settlement funds check sent to her was declared invalid by her bank.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • But Bird said Minnesota courts could do more to weed out invalid cases brought against patients.
    — Molly Castle Work, Twin Cities, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of invalid

Phrases Containing void

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voicing
void
voidance
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Cite this Entry

“Void.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/void. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on void

Nglish: Translation of void for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about void

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