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blank

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noun

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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

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blank

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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
Carolina’s Johns & Roscoe blanked their opponents in Men’s, but Atlanta easily won both Mixed ties to move on and send Ben Johns home winless. Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 Campana got blanked by Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari in the second minute of first half stoppage time, and fired wide of the far post from distance before halftime. Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 10 July 2025
Noun
The blank portions are designed to ensure officers read through the drafts to correct potential errors or add missing information. Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025 With a blank canvas (not to be mistaken for boring), Prospect sprinkles in colorful accents for zaps of energy: earthy greens, warm pinks, and muted blues. Ginger Perra, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
Tennessee is home to the nation’s sole manufacturer of penny blanks. Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 27 July 2025 Friday’s announcement filled in a couple of blanks, but there are many more questions looming as the two companies prepare to become one. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for blank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blank
Adjective
  • The heartless subway mugger who slashed and badly wounded a woman on an empty Manhattan train car will stay locked up following his arrest late last week.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Though cynics might be quick to dismiss the president’s words as empty political rhetoric, some industry leaders are applauding President Trump’s openness in publicly addressing rescheduling.
    Iris Dorbian, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Banking has become functionally correct but emotionally devoid, with the industry swimming in a sea of sameness.
    Michael Abbott, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Delle, devoid for so long from its intrinsic need for social interaction might be filling in the gaps by talking to himself.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 14 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • In a separate report, The Information said regulators in China have ordered major tech companies, including ByteDance, Alibaba, and Tencent, to suspend Nvidia chip purchases until a national security review is complete.
    Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2025
  • This was in response to an innocent question about when the once imminent merger between the PGA Tour and LIV would actually be complete.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This treatment comes in the form of unique traditions, athlete stories, and pivotal moments.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Contractors can find more info and fill out an interest form here.
    Emma George-Griffin, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Somehow the checkers are ignoring the fact that Trump was referring to the five-year period.
    John R. Lott Jr, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Or Joe Biden when Putin ignored his warnings and invaded Ukraine in 2022.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • One of the buildings next door was evacuated, while the other was vacant.
    Chevall Pryce, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Last week, the university eliminated more than 400 positions, half of which were already vacant.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Amid all the looming consciousness that our time on earth is precious, there are also specials unerringly devoted to utter stupidity, and even the comedians fixated on mortality are delivering life-affirming material, too.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025
  • At my worst, there was utter loneliness and anhedonia.
    Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The findings will be published in a pair of upcoming papers in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
    Eric Mack, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Cover with another sheet of paper to help retain moisture and prevent shriveling of the fruit.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blank. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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