VACANT Synonyms: 185 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'vacant' contrast with its synonyms?

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

Q: When can 'blank' be used instead of 'vacant'?

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

Q: When would 'empty' be a good substitute for 'vacant'?

In some situations, the words empty and vacant are roughly equivalent. However, empty suggests a complete absence of contents. // an empty bucket

Q: When is 'vacuous' a more appropriate choice than 'vacant'?

While the synonyms vacuous and vacant are close in meaning, vacuous suggests the emptiness of a vacuum and especially the lack of intelligence or significance. // a vacuous facial expression

Q: When is it sensible to use 'void' instead of 'vacant'?

The words void and vacant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, void suggests absolute emptiness as far as the mind or senses can determine. // a statement void of meaning

vacant

adjective

ˈvā-kənt

Definition of vacant next

as in empty

lacking contents that could or should be present a vacant room that could be converted into a classroom

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dormant

not being in a state of use, activity, or employment looking for vacant land on which to build a house

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in blank

not expressing any emotion the prisoner's vacant and distracted expression

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as in deserted

left unoccupied or unused police discovered that vagrants had been sleeping in the vacant warehouse

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vacant contrast with its synonyms?

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

a vacant apartment

When can blank be used instead of vacant?

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

a blank wall

When would empty be a good substitute for vacant?

In some situations, the words empty and vacant are roughly equivalent. However, empty suggests a complete absence of contents.

an empty bucket

When is vacuous a more appropriate choice than vacant?

While the synonyms vacuous and vacant are close in meaning, 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 void instead of vacant?

The words void and vacant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 vacant The city sold the Missing Middle Infill Housing program, and developers have submitted plans for 35 vacant city lots in North Lawndale, 30 in Chatham, South Chicago, and Morgan Park, and 24 in East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, and McKinley Park last year. —

Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026 In this case, the shows were only possible because Hollywood High School and the rest of LAUSD is on spring break this week, leaving the premises vacant. —

Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026 Large sections of the mall are vacant. —

Samuel O’Neal April 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026 Carlo Ancelotti took charge of Brazil last May, weeks before the Italy job became vacant when Luciano Spalletti was fired. —

ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vacant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vacant

Adjective

Her home had been a house of mourning, a symbol of resilience, a family cornerstone, and now—bright shock—the empty scene of an unseen crime.

— Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
Police searched the house and found a Powerade bottle that was largely empty, but contained some residue at the bottom.

— Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026

Definition of empty

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vacancy

vacant

vacantness

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“Vacant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vacant. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of vacant

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