nothingness

noun

noth·​ing·​ness ˈnə-thiŋ-nəs How to pronounce nothingness (audio)
Synonyms of nothingnessnext
1
: the quality or state of being nothing: such as
a
: nonexistence
b
: utter insignificance
c
: death
2
: something insignificant or valueless
3
: void, emptiness

Synonyms of nothingness

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Examples of nothingness in a Sentence

He was staring into nothingness. The sound faded into nothingness.
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.
Emptied feels like a sudden gushing whoosh, then nothingness. — Literary Hub, 1 May 2026 But that nothingness slowly but surely became one of the most popular sitcoms ever. — Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026 While in space, the crew spoke of the surreal sights of our dusty, rugged natural satellite, appearing about the size of a bowling ball at arm’s length, suspended in nothingness. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026 For some of us, this is a very counterintuitive notion, as the notion of things existing within and moving through some form of empty nothingness just doesn’t make any sense. — Big Think, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for nothingness

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nothingness was circa 1631

Browse Nearby Words

nothingly
nothingness
nothing off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nothingness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nothingness. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nothingness

Nglish: Translation of nothingness for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nothingness

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