vacuous

adjective

ˈva-kyə-wəs How to pronounce vacuous (audio)
Definition of vacuousnext
1
as in devoid
lacking contents that could or should be present a great vacuous space that should have been filled with an audience

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 Howard plays himself as a tyrannical auteur who petulantly refuses to cut a vacuous scene from his overlong thriller, warding off pleas only to change his mind at the moment of truth. —Peter Bart, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for vacuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vacuous
  1. devoid
  2. stupid
  3. empty
  4. dumb
  5. barren
  6. slow
  7. simple
  8. thick
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
Definition of devoid
Adjective
  • This is just stupid how successful this is, but that’s really underselling it.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
  • Camp, stupid, joyful—to both own and access—Labubu has taken over.
    — Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 31 May 2025
Definition of stupid
Adjective
  • American retailers cried foul and indicated Santa Claus’s sled would be empty.
    — Bruce Yandle, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025
  • Companies that are serious about the future of work know that AI implementation without workforce enablement is an empty investment.
    — Sol Rashidi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Definition of empty
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
Definition of dumb
Adjective
  • The festival was deliberately planned for the barren weeks in June after college students left and before the summer concert and festival season kicked in.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
  • The Bureau’s new research station on Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano, with its high altitude and barren landscape, would prove to be the ideal collection spot.
    — Ashley Braun, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025
Definition of barren
Adjective
  • Despite the retirement of highly successful Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, the transition to Vulcan has been slow and continues to impact the completion of Space Force mission objectives.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
  • Here in Croatia, the pace of life is slower, especially in smaller towns.
    — Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Definition of slow
Adjective
  • In addition to experiencing a surge of sensual energy with greater emphasis on life’s simple pleasures, Venus in Taurus has everything to do with feeling grounded and finding stability in both love and finances.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • White is easy, simple, and many times, the best choice for a clean slate.
    — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 5 June 2025
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • Its thick plastic outer casing is impervious to flex.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 28 May 2025
  • Look for thicker, buttery formulas with intense moisture.
    — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 27 May 2025
Definition of thick

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Cite this Entry

“Vacuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vacuous. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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