Vacate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈvā-ˌkāt/ va·cate

Meaning & Definition of Vacate

Vacate (verb)

  1. to deprive of an incumbent or occupant
  2. to give up the incumbency or occupancy of
  3. to make legally void, annul

Vacate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to put an end to by formal action

    "the contract was vacated by the court on the grounds that the signer was underage"

    similar: abate, abolish, abrogate, annul, avoid, cancel, disannul, dissolve, invalidate, negate, null, nullify, quash, repeal, rescind, roll back, strike down, void, do away with, set aside
    related: countermand, override, overrule, overturn, veto, abort, call, call off, drop, recall, retract, reverse, revoke, suspend, withdraw, ban, enjoin, forbid, outlaw, prohibit, disallow, dismiss, reject, annihilate, break down, eliminate, eradicate, erase, liquidate, remove, throw out, write off
    near: enact, lay down, legislate, establish, found, institute, formalize, legalize, legitimate, legitimize, validate, pass, ratify, allow, approve, authorize, clear, endorse, permit, sanction, warrant, command, decree, mandate, order, prescribe

  2. to remove the contents of

    "vacated the house"

    similar: clear, empty, evacuate, void
    related: deplete, drain, eliminate, exhaust, waste, bleed, draw (off), clean, flush, purge, scour, sweep
    opposite: fill, load

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Vacate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Vacate:

abate, abolish, abrogate, annul, avoid, cancel, disannul, dissolve, invalidate, negate, null, nullify, quash, repeal, rescind, roll back, strike down, void, clear, empty, evacuate, do away with, set aside

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Vacate

Words with the opposite meaning of Vacate:

fill, load

Related Words for Vacate

countermand, override, overrule, overturn, veto, abort, call, call off, drop, recall, retract, reverse, revoke, suspend, withdraw, ban, enjoin, forbid, outlaw, prohibit, disallow, dismiss, reject, annihilate, break down, eliminate, eradicate, erase, liquidate, remove

Near Antonyms of Vacate

enact, lay down, legislate, establish, found, institute, formalize, legalize, legitimate, legitimize, validate, pass, ratify, allow, approve, authorize, clear, endorse, permit, sanction, warrant, command, decree, mandate, order, prescribe

Word Forms of Vacate

Inflections: vacated, vacating

Origin & Etymology of Vacate

New Latin vacātus, past participle of vacāre "to annul," going back to Latin, "to be empty, have space" (sense probably by confusion with Medieval Latin vacuāre "to annul," going back to Latin, "to empty," derivative of vacuus "empty") vacant, vacuum:1

First known use: 1643t

Frequently Asked Questions about Vacate

What does "Vacate" mean?

"Vacate" means to deprive of an incumbent or occupant. As a verb, it is defined as: to deprive of an incumbent or occupant. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Vacate"?

Other words for "Vacate" include abate, abolish, abrogate, annul, avoid, cancel, disannul and dissolve. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Vacate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Vacate"?

There are 66 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Vacate". Common alternatives include abate, abolish, abrogate, annul, avoid, cancel, disannul, dissolve, invalidate and negate.

What is the opposite of "Vacate"?

Antonyms of "Vacate" include fill and load. Near antonyms include enact, lay down, legislate and establish.

How do you use "Vacate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Vacate" in a sentence: "the contract was vacated by the court on the grounds that the signer was underage"; "vacated the house".

Is "Vacate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Vacate" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Vacate"?

"Vacate" is pronounced /ˈvā-ˌkāt/ and divided into syllables as va·cate.

What is the origin of the word "Vacate"?

"Vacate" comes from New Latin vacātus, past participle of vacāre "to annul," going back to Latin, "to be empty, have space" (sense probably by confusion with Medieval Latin vacuāre "to annul," going back to Latin, "to empty," derivative of vacuus "empty") vacant, vacuum:1. First known use: 1643t.