hollow 1 of 3

Definition of hollownext

hollow

2 of 3

noun

hollow

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

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

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

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 hollow
Adjective
Power in Britain has never felt as hollow as this. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026 Social media overflows with posts that have the outline of something inspiring, vulnerable, or provocative, but are hollow underneath. Jamil Zaki, CNBC, 12 May 2026
Noun
Maron explained that storms can dislodge baby birds from their nests, sweep young animals out of tree hollows and even flood ground nests used by cottontails and skunks. Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2026 Maron explained that storms can dislodge baby birds from nests, sweep young animals out of tree hollows and flood ground nests used by cottontails and skunks. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
However, when considering the Chinese Communist Party’s national-level Military-Civil Fusion strategy, this restriction rings hollow. Jim Costa, Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2026 That’s the joke at the heart of Washington: The very struggle that’s hollowed the place out is also the only way it can be renewed. Josh Tyrangiel, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hollow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hollow
Adjective
  • Using a clean towel, apply a generous amount of food-safe mineral oil to the concave side.
    Staff Author, Martha Stewart, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Lightly wet just the concave side of the board and place it on a damp kitchen towel on your countertop.
    Lizzy Briskin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Rai closed in commanding fashion, playing his final 10 holes in six-under par without a blemish on the scorecard en route to a closing 65 and a three-shot victory at nine-under overall.
    Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • Some birds also will poke holes in the ground looking for tasty critters.
    Joan Morris, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • With a top altitude of 1,100 feet, this position at the highest point in the AVA offers warmer nighttime temperatures than the valley floor thanks to the warm air rising and cool air sinking, while daytime temperatures are lower than in areas closer to sea level.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 17 May 2026
  • The emerald oasis, reachable by boat, helicopter tour, or strenuous trek, is an amalgam of steep cliffs and verdant valleys spilling out to the cerulean sea.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • But these concerns have not gone unnoticed, as a bill is currently making its way through the California General Assembly that aims to cap resale prices as a way to limit ticket brokers and resale platforms from price-gouging fans.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • Run a putty knife along the wet popcorn ceiling to scrape off the popcorn texture, but be careful to avoid gouging the ceiling with the corner of the putty knife.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Eddies downstream from peninsulas, brush tops, sunken trees, deep holes, and other current breaks are ideal.
    John Phillips, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026
  • The sunken battleship entombs more than 900 sailors and Marines at Pearl Harbor.
    Jim Mustian, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Hail damage can be subtle — granule loss and small dents that shorten a roof’s life without obvious leaks.
    Ryan Brennan May 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
  • Still, a suspension isn’t likely to make a sizable (or instant) dent at the pump.
    Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Their enormous talons penetrate deeply into tissue, while the bird’s powerful flexor muscles clamp down with immense force.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • The precision strike successfully penetrated defenses that had been held for years.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • But there are also lingual tonsils (base of the tongue), tubal (around the opening of the Eustachian tube in the nasopharynx (upper part of cavity behind nose and mouth) and adenoid (high up in throat behind nose).
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026
  • That bacteria can then enter a patient’s open cavity, leading to infection.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hollow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hollow. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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