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Definition of blanknext
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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
In one classic problem, you’re given three colored pencils and a blank map divided into many regions. Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 11 May 2026 Hands clasped, head bowed, blank and fair of face. Literary Hub, 8 May 2026
Noun
Unbeknownst to Lydia, the gun is loaded with blanks. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026 But the lead genealogist on Joan Nathan’s case, Moriah Amit, found additional information and documents that filled in some blanks on the Bernheim family, and helped fit the family into that tragic part of German-Jewish history. Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
City are among the teams who blank in Gameweek 31, meaning selling Haaland could align well with longer-term planning, but only if his injury is confirmed as serious. Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026 It's become common practice for creatives to blank out their social media presences before announcing a new project, but Bad Bunny is already in the midst of a global tour that extends through July. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blank
Adjective
  • The Hurricanes have a beer skate, which sells for $19 empty and $31 full.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 12 May 2026
  • Massive empty voids lie between these structures.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • Long, patient takes devoid of nondiegetic elements immerse us in Misael’s rudimentary existence, with birdsong and cracking branches working together with DP Cobi Migliori’s handsome long-shot compositions to create a trancelike atmosphere.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 16 May 2026
  • The first is that, for now at least, this is a fairly low-key and easy-to-watch western drama, largely devoid of the culture war button-pushing that makes Sheridan shows likeLandman and The Madison so maddening.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Food and drink All-day restaurant Pure serves up a sprawling breakfast buffet complete with omelette and pancake stations, heaving tropical fruit platters, and baked goods galore, including Polynesian treats like coconut bread.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • There was a sense of endings at St James’ Park; not definitive, not complete, but persuasive, a final home game for Kieran Trippier as a Newcastle player, and a feeble waft of farewell in the colour of claret.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • With Curtis Jones soon entering the final year of his contract and facing an uncertain future, Mac Allister out of form, Wataru Endo injured and also approaching the last season of his deal, and Trey Nyoni expected to go out on loan, the need for greater competition is clear.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Given the fact that projections from the American Heart Association (AHA) show that up to 60% of American women will develop some form of heart disease by 2050, the race is on to encourage women—along with everyone else—to take active steps to reduce their cardiovascular risk.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • The Tuesday parking shortage and the Monday emptiness are not anomalies to correct.
    Chase Garbarino, Fortune, 15 May 2026
  • Lift up your eyes unto the hills, and behold all that delightful emptiness.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Ricketts faces four primary challengers of his own, but he's mostly ignored those rivals to put more attention towards Osborn in what could be a competitive race.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 May 2026
  • Common laundry habits — ignoring dryer vent buildup, leaving wet clothes in the washer, using hot water on everything and skipping the washing machine gasket — can damage appliances, ruin fabrics and even create a fire risk.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • But during a time when Detroit officials had verifiable data on formerly vacant homes and buildings being redeveloped into housing, they were frustrated that Census population estimates did not align with local data.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 14 May 2026
  • Whatever the case may be, don’t let your shoes spend too long vacant on the porch.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The New York Knicks took care of business, to say the least, against the Philadelphia 76ers with another utter demolition on the road in a close-out game.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • The obituaries, social media posts and GoFundMe pages capture the utter despair of the families, though none of them reckon with the decision not to get the vitamin K shot.
    Duaa Eldeib, CNN Money, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blank. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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