devoid

adjective

de·​void di-ˈvȯid How to pronounce devoid (audio)
Synonyms of devoid
: being without a usual, typical, or expected attribute or accompaniment
—used with of
an argument devoid of sense
a landscape devoid of life

Synonyms of devoid

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Examples of devoid in a Sentence

the so-called comedy is totally devoid of intelligence, originality, and even laughs the picnic jug was completely devoid of juice after only a few minutes
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The island is devoid of high rises and fast-food restaurants. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 To modern Americans, the grievances may seem abstract and devoid of life, but for the colonists, the grievances had faces. — Robert Parkinson, The Conversation, 24 June 2026 In a show mostly devoid of explicit messages, the sentiment surprised me. — Max Norman, New Yorker, 25 June 2026 For such a showy animal, its flavor is surprisingly delicate, devoid of any fishiness in a way that reminds me of flounder. — Rachel Nuwer, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for devoid

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, past participle of devoiden to dispel, from Anglo-French *desvoider, from des- dis- + voider to empty — more at void entry 3

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of devoid was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing devoid

Rhymes for devoid

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Browse Nearby Words

devoice
devoid
devoid of
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Cite this Entry

“Devoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devoid. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

devoid

adjective
de·​void di-ˈvȯid How to pronounce devoid (audio)
: not having a usual or expected quality
a book devoid of interest

More from Merriam-Webster on devoid

Nglish: Translation of devoid for Spanish Speakers

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