Definition of blanknext
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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
Throughout, the movie’s deeply affecting realism feels also like symbolism—an existential crisis without any of its arch markers, a world of metaphors without referents, both universal and blank. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026 There’s a blank panel next to the 14 crashes, an ominous open space ripe for fresh carnage. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
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 The need for a federal workforce at KSC dwindled, and that’s when state officials started looking to commercial companies to help fill in the blanks. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 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
  • The incoming wave hits a slanted wall, bounces off at an angle, and rapidly spirals into complete unpredictability.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
  • An almost complete goddess torso, identified as the Roman goddess of victory, includes wings, a palm branch, and a victory laurel.
    — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But what chance would American soldiers have against a country whose military doctrine has already imagined active resistance in populated areas, backed by citizens who could potentially provide intelligence, surveillance and other forms of support?
    — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The auction house endorsed the new asset form, and the asset’s price, in turn, made the institution appear responsive to an emergent cultural power.
    — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The suburbs promise space yet deliver emptiness, critics charge.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Kalra’s bill would have added, in essence, an official recognition to state law that California’s water rights system ignores how land was taken from Native Americans during colonization.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Most of them appear gradually, which is exactly why they get ignored.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In the general election, Krell won over two-thirds of the vote, beating out Republican challenger Nikki Ellis to fill Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty’s vacant seat.
    — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Griffin’s sister is now refusing to build a home on the family lot that remains vacant, given its backyard would literally be a hop, skip and jump from the data center, Griffin said.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 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 5 Oct. 2026.

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