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building block

noun

Definition of building blocknext
as in member
one of the parts that make up a whole historically the infantry division has been a basic building block of armies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 building block Each 21-centimeter-square robot is equipped with its own thrusters, sensors, and magnetic latches, allowing the fleet to connect like building blocks on the water. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 The body uses omega-3s as building blocks and chemical messengers that help reduce inflammation, among other benefits. — Matt Fuchs, Time, 26 June 2026 Assembling two dozen worthy building blocks is a mighty tall task, especially for a team starting with just a handful. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026 The building blocks of Ray’s crimes—compulsiveness, transgressiveness, poor boundaries—were there from early adulthood. — Adeline Goss, New Yorker, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for building block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for building block
  1. member
  2. component
  3. factor
  4. element
  5. ingredient
Noun
  • Following the coach’s firing in July 2023, more than 260 Northwestern faculty members signed a petition calling for the stadium plans to be halted until at least athletic department’s problems could be sorted out.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Social and playful 694 faces Katmai Brady Bunch member 620, while two bears that overcame incredible odds, 610 and 89 (Backpack), vie for votes in the other first round fight.
    — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of member
Noun
  • The access to the outdoors and free play is another unique component of Starpoint that is typically not seen in public schools.
    — Lina Ruiz September 21, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But Fox News Digital has not independently verified that the more ambitious provision in the roadmap — manufacturing Russian aircraft components inside Iran — was implemented.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of component
Noun
  • At the time, Mayor Christopher Clark said that the city was $164 million in debt due to a combination of factors, including a trail of expensive scandals left by predecessor Eric Kellogg, and chronically low tax collection rates.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Postmortem commentaries on the campaign agreed that many factors were at play in Sinclair’s loss — FDR had kept his distance and progressive candidate Raymond Haight siphoned off votes from Sinclair — but Hollywood proudly took credit.
    — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of factor
Noun
  • The team measured 13 rare earth elements, including cerium, ytterbium and lanthanum, and examined whether exposure was associated with birth outcomes.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The film has all these crime-drama elements, and we’re caught up in that tension.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of element
Noun
  • Chewing the drug produces a euphoric effect because of a psychoactive ingredient called arecoline, and millions of people are still betel users today.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Add the dressing and mix again, until all ingredients are well coated.
    — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of ingredient

Browse Nearby Words

building a fire under
building block
building blocks
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Building block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/building%20block. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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