The phrase "filled to the rafters" is often used to describe a place or container that is completely full. Antonyms for this phrase can include "empty," "sparse," "bare," "unoccupied," "unfilled," or "vacant." An empty room, for example, is one in which there is nothing or no one present. A sparse crowd indicates that a gathering or event is not well-attended or has only a few people. A bare shelf, on the other hand, is one that has no items or products placed on it. Similarly, an unfilled plate has no food on it, while a vacant seat implies that no one is sitting or occupying the said seat.