Definition of blanknext
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3

blank

2 of 3

noun

1
as in form
a piece of paper with information written or to be written on it handed him an employment blank to fill out

Synonyms & Similar Words

2

blank

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective blank contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of blank are empty, vacant, vacuous, and void. While all these words mean "lacking contents which could or should be present," blank stresses the absence of any significant, relieving, or intelligible features on a surface.

a blank wall

When could empty be used to replace blank?

Although the words empty and blank have much in common, empty suggests a complete absence of contents.

an empty bucket

When can vacant be used instead of blank?

In some situations, the words vacant and blank are roughly equivalent. However, vacant suggests an absence of appropriate contents or occupants.

a vacant apartment

Where would vacuous be a reasonable alternative to blank?

The words vacuous and blank are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vacuous suggests the emptiness of a vacuum and especially the lack of intelligence or significance.

a vacuous facial expression

When would void be a good substitute for blank?

The meanings of void and blank largely overlap; however, void suggests absolute emptiness as far as the mind or senses can determine.

a statement void of meaning

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 blank
Adjective
Steel-frame magnetic systems turn that blank panel into a spice wall, utensil rail or paper towel holder without a single hole in a wall or cabinet. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026 To win the presidency in the first round, a candidate must receive more than half of the valid votes cast, excluding blank and null ballots. — Katie Angell Britannica Editors Oct. 2, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
Multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank exam questions could be quickly and objectively scored. — Beth Kania-Gosche, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026 Another blank in the weekend’s 2-2 draw with Brentford meant Evanilson has not scored a league goal in 14 games dating back to February 28. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
The righthander has blanked opponents in 20 of his last 21 outings (through June 11) and is unscored upon in 15 appearances at Tropicana Field this season. — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 Chloe Manning struck out 10 as Plymouth North (9-11) blanked Whitman-Hanson 3-0 in a Patriot League tilt. — Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for blank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blank
Adjective
  • Almost every house was then surrounded by adjacent empty lots that had been seized to ensure that no one else would build.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The paper towel dispenser was empty for the market’s employee restroom.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In a show mostly devoid of explicit messages, the sentiment surprised me.
    — Max Norman, New Yorker, 25 June 2026
  • Players take on the role of a Ditto capable of mimicking its human trainer, and the Pokémon is thrown into a world devoid of humans.
    — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Cupping treatments come in detoxifying and cellulite targeting versions, and there's a complete slate of massage, sugaring, waxing, aromatherapy, and hair and makeup options.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Although Koerte believes Europe needs to develop greater AI capabilities, complete sovereignty remains a pipe dream.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Annals are historical records arranged by year; the clue leverages the entry’s singular form to misdirect us.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Swatting is a form of cyber harassment that typically involves a caller alerting law enforcement to an active shooter situation or some other sort of immediate danger that does not actually exist.
    — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Occasional moments of real, spontaneous joy emerge, and others reveal the crushing emptiness of lives going nowhere, but the script doesn’t lean too hard in either direction.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
  • In all of the sketchbook entries reproduced here, Ross seems to offer a bridge between the representation of emptiness and the lived sensation of it.
    — Ryan Sullivan, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Corbett said such arguments ignore Illinois’ long history of underfunding public schools, with the state providing only about a quarter of school districts’ revenue, according to the State Board of Education’s most recent Illinois Report Card.
    — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The shame lies with the governments who ignored the AIDS crisis and the stigma that was around people and the innate prejudice that was in society.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • To the west was mostly more vacant land stretching to the river.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
  • However, in this case, the two Democratic seats in the minority are currently vacant, and one Republican seat is about to be vacated.
    — Tzachi Zach, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a wonderful fraction of a second when the Villa fans in the Holte End have to adjust from impending despair to utter joy.
    — Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Fall in Europe brings with it brisk temperatures that make sightseeing an utter joy, thinner crowds that leave room for locals, and an opportunity to experience cities in their most authentic light.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blank. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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