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
In the pregnancy announcement, Ciara and Wilson posed outside alongside four shirts hanging on a clothesline with a blank baby onesie representing the newest addition to their family. ABC News, 6 Sep. 2026 Below 1988 there is an intentional blank space, not just for Notre Dame football’s next national championship year, but enough room for multiple. Pete Sampson, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
Baffled residents, who don’t know whether their data have been stolen or compromised, have been trying their best to fill in the blanks. Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 Friends filled in the blanks, painting Roberts, a web developer and clutch early digital-ad adviser, as the Marty Ginsburg to Ocasio-Cortez’s RBG. Michelle Ruiz, Vanity Fair, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
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 Ohtani did not have his best stuff in the Dodgers’ 4-0 blanking over the Padres on Wednesday night. Katie Woo, New York Times, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for blank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blank
Adjective
  • On the day Hoosier fans celebrated last year’s 2025 national championship run inside Memorial Stadium, the stands grew increasingly empty as the season-opener against North Texas wore on.
    Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • That would make the construction of small apartment or condo buildings less expensive, helping developers fill Chicago’s empty lots with units that are also affordable, said Ald.
    Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 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 hierarchy have applied a couple of touch-ups here and there, adding Germany full-back Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari, who had an impressive World Cup up front for Morocco, but this is a near-complete team.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Lions controlled the game from start to finish, putting in one of their most complete performances of the season while keeping a dangerous San Diego side from threatening.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Packers haven’t gone this long without an NFC North title since the division became its current form in 2002.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • And while all forms of fossil fuels this year have been affected by the blockade of the Strait of the Hormuz, diesel differs somewhat from crude and unleaded gas because of the central role Russian refineries play in the global supply.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Markets have seen through the emptiness of Bessent’s remedy, as ‘bond vigilantes’ have driven bond yields even higher despite Bessent’s band-aids.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Drugs ravaged the streets, leaving needles and even more emptiness in their wake.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Ultimately, the human element can’t be ignored, but the NBA is a business.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • But for now, let’s all giggle at how fully Naheim ignored Bryan when going to congratulate Jude.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In Austin, the vacancy rate for all affordable housing is nearly 16% with more than 4,500 vacant units, according to real estate data and analytics firm CoStar.
    Claire Rush, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In Austin, the vacancy rate for all affordable housing is nearly 16% with over 4,500 vacant units, according to real estate data and analytics firm CoStar.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • This Ninth — featuring the Los Angeles Master Chorale and four superb vocal soloists (Saioa Hernández, Tamara Mumford, David Portillo and Ryan Speedo Green) — became Beethoven, alive in the moment, an instrument of utter joy.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Sweet, aromatic, and bubblegum pink, this playful cocktail is the utter definition of fun.
    Bradleigh Mobley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blank. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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