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Definitions

zero

[zeer-oh] / ˈzɪər oʊ /
NOUN
nothing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
nil
STRONG
aught blank bottom cipher nada nadir naught nix nobody nonentity nought nullity oblivion scratch shutout void zilch zip
WEAK
insignificancy lowest point ought rock bottom zot
Antonyms
STRONG
VIP somebody
WEAK
anything being something thing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for zero?
In math and more generally, something that has the value of zero can be described as null, as in null set and The value is null.  The word cipher was once used as another name for zero. Sometimes, the term goose egg is used as an informal way to refer to zero, especially in the context of a score, as in I scored a big ol’ goose egg on that round. Zero is commonly used in a general way to mean none or nothing. Synonyms for this sense of the word include nil, naught, nought, and aught. Sometimes the word no can be used to mean the same thing as zero, as in We lowered the price but we had no offers—and I mean zero offers.  More informal synonyms for zero in the sense of nothing include zip, zippo, zilch, nada (the Spanish word for “nothing”), diddly, and diddly-squat. The word zero can also be used as a verb meaning “to reduce to zero.” The verb phrase zero out is more commonly used, as in Zero out these totals.  Sometimes, the word zero is used to refer to a person considered completely insignificant, as in They went from zeroes to heroes. Similar words include nobody and loser, but calling someone (or yourself) any of these names is never a nice thing to say.
Where does zero come from?
The concept of zero is ancient, with recorded use dating back to ancient Mesopotamia. The word zero has been used in English since at least the 16th century. It comes from Italian, from the Medieval Latin word ​​zephirum, from the Arabic sifr, meaning “empty” or “zero.” The word cipher comes from this same Arabic root, which is a translation of the Sanskrit word śūnyā, meaning “empty.”
How do you use zero in a sentence?
Zero can be used as a noun, an adjective, and even a verb. Here are some examples of zero in a sentence:
  • Four minus four is zero. 
  • The temperature is expected to drop below zero.
  • If we don’t play, the chance of us winning is zero.
  • The school had a zero tolerance policy on bullying.
  • Please zero these columns by removing all the values.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They have occurred when rates were pinned near zero and officials were relying on words rather than rate moves to influence borrowing conditions.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

That’s because the current coach, Matt Mowry, has won five City titles and zero league titles during his 20 seasons.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

It could just as easily be zero seats from those states.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

Recent studies have shown a decline in the public's sense of urgency around reaching net zero across the UK too.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

The sun was shining almost around the clock, and the temperature had finally climbed above zero.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong

Vocabulary lists containing zero

English Words Derived from Arabic

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Units 2–3

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Functions - High School

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