vacuum 1 of 2

verb

Definition of vacuumnext
as in to brush
to use a vacuum cleaner on (something) in order to remove dirt I vacuumed the living room.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

vacuum

2 of 2

noun

as in void
a large empty space the vacuum of outer space The loss of his friend left a vacuum in his life.

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 vacuum
Verb
This is completed alongside standard procedures such as changing headrest covers, replacing reading materials and vacuuming the cabin. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 24 July 2026 Before touching any shaver, vacuum the surface with a soft brush attachment on low suction, then try a lint brush, rubber cleaning gloves or a lint roller with minimal pressure. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Noun
According to the study, two findings pointed to vacuum birefringence at work. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026 In a video recently posted on social media, AMNH Exhibition Maintenance Janet Spiller uses a backpack vacuum with fiber pole attachments to clean all of the nooks and crannies inside the exhibit. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vacuum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vacuum
  1. brush
  2. void
  3. clean
  4. sweep
  5. wash
  6. scrub
Verb
  • If additional hold is needed, Marjan recommends spraying Paul Mitchell Firm Hold Super Clean Extra Hairspray on the roots and brushing back before wrapping a second elastic around everything.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
  • As for the trade talk, Vea brushed it aside as part of the business.
    — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of brush
Noun
  • Following Reagan’s death, the local community and her young family are navigating a void that had been filled with her love and dedication.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The state is reluctant to fill the void left by federal funding after a series of bankruptcies and cancellations left only one truck maker and one bus maker selling hydrogen vehicles in North America.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of void
Verb
  • The Waterless Duo is an easy way to clean and condition your pet’s coat without water featuring the Dog Days Dry Shampoo and Leave in Detangler.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The only thing better than a cozy fireplace is one that doesn’t need, soot, wood, or chimney cleaning.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of clean
Verb
  • Meanwhile, in northern Greece, more than 300 vacationers and residents were evacuated by sea Thursday after a wildfire swept through a pine forest and threatened seaside homes, authorities said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Millions across the Midwest remain under flood watches early Friday as additional bouts of rain sweep through the flooded region where even modest rainfall could cause new problems.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of sweep
Verb
  • If there isn’t room in the dishwasher for a container and its lid, wait for the next cycle or hand wash them to ensure both top and bottom are clean at the same time.
    — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The messages were created using temporary chalk and power-washing techniques, with a cleanup plan in place from the outset.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of wash
Verb
  • Return and scrub it with a grout scrub brush or old toothbrush.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of using harsh bleach to tackle these stains, put some shaving cream on your toilet bowl brush and start scrubbing around the water line.
    — Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of scrub

Browse Nearby Words

vacuous
vacuum
vacuumed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vacuum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vacuum. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on vacuum

Nglish: Translation of vacuum for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of august

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All