vacant
8 synonyms and 7 antonyms for vacant, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Not occupied or in use; empty.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adjective
Not occupied or in use; empty.
“They moved into a vacant house down the street.”
Opposites
2. adjective
Showing no thought or interest; blank.
“He gave a vacant stare and said nothing.”
Opposites
How to use vacant
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
vacant lot
vacant seat
vacant expression
Etymology
From Old French vacant, from Latin vacans ("being empty").
Full origin of vacant →Frequently asked questions
What does “vacant” mean?
The word “vacant” means not occupied or in use; empty. In plain terms, empty — whether a building, seat, job, or someone's expression.
How do you pronounce “vacant”?
“Vacant” is pronounced VAY-kuhnt (/ˈveɪkənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “vacant” in a sentence?
Here is “vacant” used in a sentence: “They moved into a vacant house down the street.”
What part of speech is “vacant”?
“Vacant” is an adjective.
Where does the word “vacant” come from?
The word “vacant” comes from Latin. From Old French vacant, from Latin vacans ("being empty").
Is “vacant” a common word?
“Vacant” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “vacant” have?
“Vacant” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not occupied or in use; empty.
What is the difference between "vacant" and "empty"?
"Vacant" specifically describes a space, position, or property that is not occupied or in use, such as a vacant apartment or vacant job, while "empty" more broadly describes anything lacking contents, including containers or spaces. "Vacant" is common in real estate and employment contexts.
Is "vacant" used for jobs as well as buildings?
Yes, "vacant" commonly describes job positions that are unfilled, as in "a vacant position," as well as physical spaces like rooms, seats, or land that are not currently occupied.
