Definition of blanknext
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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
More than 17 of the 26 pages provided were either blank or completely redacted, with large black boxes covering entire messages rather than specific pieces of sensitive information. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026 Eligible military and overseas voters can receive blank ballots by mail, email or fax. — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 12 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
In a massive joint operation, US Central Command – with tight coordination from US Strategic Command, US Space Command, and the US Space Force – used electromagnetic warfare to blank out a massive area over Iran. — David Szondy july 06, New Atlas, 7 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for blank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blank
Adjective
  • None of the ballistic missiles that slammed Kyiv overnight into Thursday were intercepted – an indicator that Patriot stocks are still empty or critically low.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Phishing email and empty ring boxes Vardon’s article was primarily about how Knicks assistant coaches did not get rings on Tuesday when the team raised its first league championship banner since 1973.
    — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 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
  • Great part was my wife was in complete symphony on it instantly, and that actually was a wonderful bonding moment.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • With just more than a third of the season complete, the Rams are 2-4.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Tonight’s Venus cazimi could illuminate which opportunities, ambitions, or forms of recognition genuinely appeal to you now.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The legislation would mandate organ donation signup boxes on federal tax forms and applications for benefits, possibly creating tens of thousands of new donors.
    — Tony Aiello, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There is an emptiness left behind that cannot be filled, and there are so many of us who will never be quite the same without you.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Scribner’s ignored Hemingway and let Conrad use brief excerpts.
    — Stephen Bates, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Moscow ignored that truce from the start and Kyiv vowed to retaliate.
    — Spencer Kimball,Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The television ad begins with a dark video of an empty swing and the faint sound of children’s voices in the background, then shifts to footage of vacant pews inside a church.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The presidency in this Caribbean nation of 12 million has been vacant since the 2021 assassination of Jovenel Moïse.
    — Widlore Mérancourt, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • These accusations are utter nonsense, concocted from distortions, half-truths and lies.
    — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The board’s first mission—to pacify and bring lawful governance to Gaza—has been an utter failure.
    — Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blank. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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