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Definition of emptynext
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empty

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verb

as in to evacuate
to remove the contents of empty the room before starting to paint the ceiling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective empty contrast with its synonyms?

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

an empty bucket

When might blank be a better fit than empty?

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

a blank wall

When could vacant be used to replace empty?

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

a vacant apartment

When is vacuous a more appropriate choice than empty?

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

a vacuous facial expression

When would void be a good substitute for empty?

The meanings of void and empty largely overlap; however, 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 empty
Adjective
The silent henchmen opened the Lada’s back door and got in beside me, leaving the passenger seat empty. Abraham Jiménez Enoa, The Dial, 19 May 2026 This zigzag course left behind a blend of tenants and owners in the western tower, while the eastern tower remained empty. George Avalos, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
Verb
After mopping the entire floor, empty the bucket and rinse it. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 May 2026 During warm weather, it should be emptied, rinsed well, and refilled daily, and may require a thorough cleaning more often than just weekly to keep algae at bay. Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for empty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for empty
Adjective
  • Long, patient takes devoid of nondiegetic elements immerse us in Misael’s rudimentary existence, with birdsong and cracking branches working together with DP Cobi Migliori’s handsome long-shot compositions to create a trancelike atmosphere.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 16 May 2026
  • The first is that, for now at least, this is a fairly low-key and easy-to-watch western drama, largely devoid of the culture war button-pushing that makes Sheridan shows likeLandman and The Madison so maddening.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • If these Asian dumplings rock, hungry Idahoans will pounce.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 15 May 2026
  • Best Buy might have fed the gaming streets the news its been hungry for since 2025.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Expansion would also likely bring about the need to abolish conference title games, which are increasingly meaningless and would be more so in, say, a world where the first- through fourth-place teams in every conference end up in the playoffs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 May 2026
  • Alves de Oliveira argues that Lee is far from being another heritage brand reduced to meaningless licenses.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Yet for the people creating it—all of us—this data has become functionally worthless.
    Alice Xiang, Time, 6 May 2026
  • If the option expires worthless, the seller keeps the premium as income.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Investigators said that an initial PIT maneuver was unsuccessful, but a second one caused the truck to crash into another vehicle and roll over onto its side – an incident that was caught on home surveillance video.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 May 2026
  • Jeremy Brandon Johnson, 53, of Eveleth, was pronounced dead at the scene after lifesaving measures were unsuccessful.
    Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Stock the table with blank sheets of paper and envelopes to write on and decorate with colorful pens, stickers, stamps, and stencils.
    Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2026
  • Nobody is seriously floating Bob Iger or Howard Schultz as a 2028 presidential prospect — the business-builder, centrist blank canvas onto which Americans might project their hopes and dreams.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Other aircraft circled the airport as the CRJ-900 regional jet landed and all 76 passengers evacuated onto the taxiway.
    Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
  • About two dozen customers were inside at the time and were safely evacuated.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Seeking to eliminate Berber forces in the barren mountains of northern Morocco, seven soldiers obediently follow their fanatical sergeant (Víctor Clavijo) into barbarous depths of depravity.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 16 May 2026
  • Officials there have said that Iraqi army forces investigated reports of an unauthorized military force in the Nukhaib desert -- a barren area to the southwest of the cities of Karbala and Najaf -- in early March and came under fire while en route to the location.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Empty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empty. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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