hollow 1 of 3

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
This mixture forms the wall of what is essentially a long hollow tube – the fiber – which runs lengthwise within the larger piece of wood. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2025 Audio from the dual speakers is fairly loud but somewhat hollow. PCMAG, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
With its steep forested hillsides and rocky cliffs, the Dry Creek area was not an inviting hollow for homesteading. Bob Robinson, arkansasonline.com, 19 Jan. 2025 By day, the stick insect hid in tree hollows, often congregating in significant numbers for shelter, with reports of as many as 60 insects found in a single hollow. Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
The robot is designed with high flexibility at the waist, 320° of rotation capability, and hollow joint wiring for a lightweight design with high durability and reliability. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025 Even the barrel is hollowed for a full view of the spring, which allows the owner to check that the movement has been wound correctly. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hollow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hollow
Adjective
  • His new Dangerous Liaisons collection channels the opulent candlelight of a 19th century boudoir, with concave gold forms underneath diamonds and white gold lattice work.
    Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • For example, there are concave stones mounted on the wall, inviting visitors to press their heads, hearts, and stomachs against them.
    Marisa Meltzer, ARTnews.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This is a good thing, as a percentage of nylon, spandex, or polyester can help with shape retention and prevent holes from developing.
    Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Their current stairs are in poor condition, with layers of plywood covering holes and structural issues.
    USA Today, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Then on Sunday, the weather will shift further east and into the middle Mississippi Valley and portions of the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, AccuWeather said.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • President Donald Trump campaigned on a vow to reduce egg prices, blaming their rise on his predecessor, but with avian flu continuing to spread — and some producers accused of taking advantage of the crisis to gouge customers — the USDA predicts that prices will rise at least another 20% this year.
    Rachel Ringler, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2025
  • In 2020, Attorney General Letitia James of New York accused Hillandale Farms of gouging customers with high prices during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic.
    Danielle Kaye, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Photo : Urban Aisle for Sotheby's International Realty A sunken seating spot is tucked off to one side of the yard.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Aust showed me a sepia portrait of Hiller, who looked out with sunken eyes, a middle-aged man who had already lived through one world war.
    Malcolm Hillgartner Tanya Pérez Lance Neal, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Then the pandemic sparked a moving frenzy, putting a serious dent in that number.
    Samantha Latson, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • If 200,000 Gold Cards are sold at $5 million each, the resulting $1 trillion could make a meaningful dent in the national debt.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Baboons respond with sharp warning cries that echo through the ravine.
    Julia Eskins, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The therapy uses a combination of lasers and light treatments to penetrate the skin based on the severity of the acne.
    Susan Bard, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Use the tip of your tongue to penetrate around the hole and the flat part of your tongue to lick some areas.
    Ian Kumamoto, Them, 25 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hollow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hollow. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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