Definition of blanknext
1
2
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
Nearly six million people cast a blank or spoiled vote — including Alexandre Moreira, a 21-year-old university student. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 Your blank wall has just found a much more interesting purpose. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
Today, the German automaker is finally starting to fill in the blanks on the i3. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 29 Sep. 2026 And by offering so little clarity, his own team has invited the public to fill in the blanks. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 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
  • The former Cap City Tavern building in Denver has sat empty since leaving its Golden Triangle neighborhood home in July 2025, but that’s about to change.
    — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The footage shows a nearly empty parking lot and the property is temporarily closed.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 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
  • For more than 50 years, the house remained vacant, was ravaged by fire, and fell into complete disrepair.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Then again, the album’s 15-minute runtime presupposes a complete lasting impression isn’t the point.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Cooke and Wheatstone telegraph may be considered the earliest commercial form of long-distance electronic communication.
    — Mike McRae October 15, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • So far, anti-AI legislation has taken the form of blocking subsidies for AI data centers.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 16 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
  • There is so much going on in all of our lives but far too much beauty in this world to ignore.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Many structures are built with substandard materials and safety regulations are frequently ignored to reduce costs.
    — Riaz Khan, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The legislation would strengthen the low-income housing tax credit, provide more tax help for first-time buyers and has provisions to encourage conversion of vacant offices and commercial buildings into housing.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Residents in Oxford Circle, Castor Gardens and surrounding neighborhoods have reported rodent issues affecting their homes, yards, businesses, vehicles, vacant properties and neighborhood spaces, the resolution says.
    — Laura Fay, CBS News, 8 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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