vanish

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'vanish' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something as having gone away suddenly or no longer existing. Example: The crowds quickly vanished into thin air once the alarm sounded.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems improbable that they will simply vanish (the way a bank like IndyMac did), because the government won't allow it.

The Economist

The facility was even unknown to Rob Warden, the founder of Northwestern University Law School's Center on Wrongful Convictions, until the Guardian informed him of the allegations of clients who vanish into inherently coercive police custody.

The Guardian

Whole lines of sweets vanish in zooming animation.

The Guardian - Tech

With the photo notes, Eijkelboom effectively has to vanish.

The Guardian - Arts

And he wonders about the ones he never meets, the unknown numbers of children who vanish in Mexico on the way.

The Guardian

That means that blogposts or comments you've made there will vanish.

The Guardian - Tech

The only thing was that the players selected for this would with deadly certainty quickly vanish again thereafter from the scene.

The Guardian - Sport

Everything you create or do is going to vanish.

The Guardian - Film

If you don't have courage, all the other qualities you may have – good strategic sense and oratory etc – vanish like the morning dew when you need it.

The Guardian

Local discontent did not exactly vanish after the interval.

The Guardian - Sport

Many simply vanish as they set off on their journeys north.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vanish" to describe a sudden or complete disappearance, but consider more nuanced verbs like "fade" or "evaporate" when a gradual or transformative disappearance is intended.

Common error

While "vanish" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise verbs that better convey the nature of the disappearance, such as "disappear", "dissipate", or "evaporate".

Linguistic Context

The verb "vanish" primarily functions to describe the act of disappearing suddenly and completely. This often implies a lack of trace or explanation for the disappearance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "vanish" is a versatile verb that primarily describes a sudden and complete disappearance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in describing current events and narratives. While generally neutral in tone, careful consideration should be given to the specific nuances of other verbs like "fade" or "evaporate" to achieve the desired effect. Avoid overuse in formal writing for added precision. By understanding its function, purpose, and stylistic considerations, writers can effectively employ "vanish" to enhance their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappear completely

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the disappearance.

fade away

Suggests a gradual disappearance, often implying a loss of visibility or audibility.

evaporate

Implies a disappearance similar to water turning into vapor, suggesting a transformation and dispersal.

dematerialize

Suggests a sudden and inexplicable disappearance, often used in science fiction contexts.

dissolve

Implies a disappearance by breaking down or disintegrating into something else.

be no more

A more formal or poetic way to express the cessation of existence.

cease to exist

A straightforward and literal way of stating that something has stopped existing.

pass from sight

Focuses on the visual aspect of disappearing, emphasizing the object moving out of view.

go missing

Suggests an unexplained absence, often implying a search or investigation.

become extinct

Typically used for species or groups that have died out completely.

FAQs

How to use "vanish" in a sentence?

"Vanish" can be used to describe something disappearing suddenly or ceasing to exist. For example, "The magician made the rabbit vanish" or "Hopes for a peace agreement vanished after the attack".

What can I say instead of "vanish"?

You can use alternatives like "disappear completely", "fade away", or "evaporate" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something 'vanished into thin air'?

Yes, the idiom "vanished into thin air" is a common and accepted expression used to describe something disappearing mysteriously or without a trace.

What's the difference between "vanish" and "disappear"?

While similar, "vanish" often implies a more sudden or complete disappearance than "disappear". "Disappear" can also suggest a gradual fading or moving out of sight.