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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

Examples 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 The songs almost never advanced plot, and instead over-indulged in vacuous character study. Samantha Allen, Them, 4 Oct. 2024 First is Google’s plan to cull low-quality apps from Play Store, which should raise the bar materially and cut out much of the vacuous content littering users’ phones. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024 Within the party, there is much private grumbling about the demand for loyalty to a vacuous ideology and what is in effect a ban on the discussion of policy. Andrew J. Nathan, Foreign Affairs, 30 May 2019 The verses are vacuous, the insults have no teeth, and just when the whole thing seems to be leading up to a gigantic redemptive chorus, suddenly pop! Nate Jones, Vulture, 20 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for vacuous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vacuous
Adjective
  • 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
  • The medication has hallucinogenic effects that alter the perception of sight and sound and cause users to feel devoid from pain and out of control of their surroundings.
    Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2023
Adjective
  • So ridiculous the referee initially had trouble believing that anyone could be so reckless & stupid.
    The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
  • And there was no such thing ever as a bad decision or a stupid question.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • He is allowed out when the dorm he is housed in is mostly empty.
    Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
  • In what can only be described as a Christmas miracle, the ER was empty.
    Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2025
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
Adjective
  • California officials are proposing making looting during a local emergency a felony, as wildfires continue to blaze through parts of their state, leaving barren neighborhoods susceptible to such crime.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025
  • In one glance, an observer can see the barren, airless lunar surface and a cold, desert planet that once harbored rivers, lakes, and potentially life, all while standing on our own planet, an oasis in the cosmos.
    Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But Williams and the Bears offense, which have struggled all season with slow starts, certainly didn’t look cool and collected prior to the fourth quarter.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Two juveniles darted across a branch, and the younger female began to hunt flying insects, moving in a slow crouch.
    Jessica Camille Aguirre, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • My top answer is a simple and no-brainer recommendation: Wash your hands with soap and water.
    Amanda Schupak, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Keep your indoor money tree healthy and lush with these simple pruning tips.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Turn the heat to medium-low, add the grits and cook, stirring frequently, until thick, creamy, and tender, 15–20 minutes.
    Ryan McCarthy, Saveur, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Some of the cables he’s found are as thick as a pinky finger and, when attached to the right tree, are strong enough to anchor an elephant calf.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 16 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near vacuous

Cite this Entry

“Vacuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vacuous. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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