COME UP EMPTY Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

come up empty

phrase

Definition of come up empty

as in collapse

to be unsuccessful We searched for a viable candidate but came up empty.

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for come up empty

Phrase

OpenAI's latest annual revenue estimate, confirmed by CNBC, has spooked investors by falling short of previous statements, and the market has taken it out on technology stocks.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
The government has increasingly relied on rationing as electricity supply falls short of demand.

— Catherine Ellis, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of fall short

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come up

come up empty

comeuppance

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“Come up empty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/come%20up%20empty. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of come up empty

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