blackball 1 of 2

verb

ˈblak-ˌbȯl How to pronounce blackball (audio)
Definition of blackballnext
as in to dismiss
to reject by or as if by a vote he was disappointed to learn that he had been blackballed by the fraternity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

blackball

2 of 2

noun

1
as in veto

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
2
as in banishment

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Dissimilar Words

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 blackball
Verb
Social media rumors swirled that the league was blackballing her because of her activism. — Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 4 May 2026 Even a popular New York City venue allegedly uses it to blackball people its millionaire owner considers adversaries. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
Even a popular New York City venue allegedly uses it to blackball people its millionaire owner considers adversaries. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026 For more than 20 years, apologists for Israel have sought to shame, blackball, and fire professors who criticize Israeli policy. — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for blackball
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blackball
  1. dismiss
  2. veto
  3. banishment
  4. kill
  5. con
  6. ostracism
  7. refuse
  8. refusal
Verb
  • China refused to participate in the arbitration and has not fully complied with the ruling, causing some commentators to dismiss the significance of the case.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Beth Arbuckle and Wells Fargo agreed to dismiss the December 2024 case filed in federal court for the Western District of North Carolina, according to a joint stipulation filed Friday.
    — Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of dismiss
Noun
  • The second option is the General Assembly’s annual fall veto session, a six-day stretch where lawmakers can consider vetoes, unresolved legislation and, at times, new bills.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The governor, in his veto message, cited affordability concerns.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of veto
Noun
  • The self-banishment of UEFA sides would raise the prospect of greater diversity, with Europe having won six of the past eight tournaments and accounting for most of the teams in the competition’s latter stages.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Violations give the commissioner broad authority to impose severe penalties, ranging from fines and suspensions to permanent banishment in order to protect the integrity of the league.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of banishment
Verb
  • Lindsay Clancy’s lawyers don’t dispute that the former labor and delivery nurse killed the children.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Did the dragon scale that Aegon took and later killed a man with use some kind of blood magic to resurrect the dragon?
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of kill
Noun
  • Let’s go over a few scenarios and the pros and cons that come with each.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • North in Boise, to learn the pros and cons of purchasing a new construction versus an existing home.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of con
Noun
  • Indeed, any ambitious scientist had to be in the good graces of these Big Players or risk financial ostracism and effective banishment from the halls of Big Science.
    — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • Expect the backlash, posing risks of fandom ostracism for any significant animator seemingly endorsing AI, to play out at late June’s Annecy Festival.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 1 June 2026
Definition of ostracism
Verb
  • Overeem also recalls being released after refusing a 50% pay cut, highlighting a lack of personal relationship with White.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Cornyn and Tillis had refused to back Blanche’s bid for the permanent post without official confirmation killing the fund meant to compensate people who believe they were unfairly prosecuted by the Justice Department.
    — Mary Clare Jalonick, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of refuse
Noun
  • The Star alleged the city’s refusal to release the document violated Missouri’s open records law.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • Conversely, El-Sayed's messaging against the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and refusal of corporate PAC money has compelled voters.
    — Christina Zhang, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of refusal

Browse Nearby Words

black-a-vised
blackball
blackballed
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Cite this Entry

“Blackball.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blackball. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of blackball for Spanish Speakers

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