block 1 of 2

Definition of blocknext
1
2
3
as in head
slang the upper or front part of the body that contains the brain, the major sense organs, and the mouth threatened to knock the block off the jerk next door if he didn't can the noise

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in side
a group of people acting together within a larger group a more conservative block within the political party

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

block

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to fill
to close up so that no empty spaces remain block up the opening in the wall where a window once was

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to intercept
to stop, seize, or interrupt while in progress or on course a thug suddenly stepped out of a doorway and blocked his escape down the alley

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb block contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of block are hinder, impede, and obstruct. While all these words mean "to interfere with the activity or progress of," block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress.

a landslide blocked the road

When might hinder be a better fit than block?

While the synonyms hinder and block are close in meaning, hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress.

rain hindered the climb

In what contexts can impede take the place of block?

In some situations, the words impede and block are roughly equivalent. However, impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering.

tight clothing that impedes movement

When would obstruct be a good substitute for block?

The meanings of obstruct and block largely overlap; however, obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way.

the view was obstructed by billboards

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of block
Noun
On Tuesday morning, Chicago police said a 39-year-old man was getting out of his car in the 5200 block of West Montana Street when two men walked up with a gun and demanded his belongings. Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026 In 1991, the bakery moved two blocks south to 4508 Burnet Road, a larger and more prominent corner location. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
Some of those accommodations include blocking off sections of the property for noise-sensitive guests, providing black-out curtains for light-sensitive customers, offering larger shower benches with handheld levers, and even adjusting the presentation of food and beverage options. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026 Advertisement The deal took shape after Senate Democrats on Thursday afternoon unanimously blocked the broader spending package in a 45-to-55 procedural vote, denying it the 60 votes needed to advance. Nik Popli, Time, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for block
Noun
  • Instead, on a variety of cosmic scales, from the insides of individual galaxies to groups and clusters of galaxies all the way up to the largest filamentary structures of all, an additional source of gravity is required.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Cherry angiomas are harmless, non-cancerous clusters of tiny blood vessels that appear as small, bright red spots on the skin.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In addition to the giant uncertainty of hemp’s future, there are some serious obstacles for the cannabis industry to get over.
    Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Leaders such as midfielder Andi Sullivan and goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, who consistently fielded questions about the off-field obstacles, are still key parts of the team’s leadership in 2026.
    Emily Olsen, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The six-time Super Bowl champion head coach fell short of the 40 out of 50 votes needed for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich is considered a top candidate for the job, according to league and team sources.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Even if the two sides strike a deal, negotiations down the road on a final agreement on the Homeland Security bill are likely to be difficult.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Iran’s internet connectivity has been partially restored, but experts are warning that, even on the other side of the digital blackout, the outlook for Iranian internet access remains bleak.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The conflict escalated into full-scale war between the U.S. Army and a confederacy of tribes led by Miami chief Little Turtle and Shawnee chief Blue Jacket to decide who would keep Ohio.
    Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Nov. 2025
  • Long before settlers came to the Americas, there was a confederacy and governance system between three tribes: the Ottawa, the Ojibwe and the Potawatomi.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In Fort Worth, Auberge Resorts Collection recently debuted Bowie House, filled with more than 700 works of art from the owner’s private collection.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • In Spanish Harlem there was always a clutter of folk standing on the sidewalk, watching and paying witness to days filled with mayhem.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Organizers stressed that legal observers are there to witness and document, not to negotiate with agents or to obstruct.
    Laurie Perez, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Lake Superior and Lake Michigan are expected to experience high waves and damaging ice accumulation onto vessels, and central Michigan is under a flood warning due to ice jams that could obstruct the waterways, causing flooding, according to the NWS.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The Earth constantly intercepts about 166,000 Terawatts of power from the Sun.
    Adam Frank, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Kinchens intercepted two passes, and Durant and cornerback Darious Williams each intercepted one.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/block. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on block

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!