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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
The Miami Dolphins are a blank canvas, one that’s ready to be painted on. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026 If portions of the page appear blank and an ad blocker is enabled, please disable the ad blocker and refresh the page to ensure full access to the content. Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 17 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
  • Some rest their coats, bags and umbrellas on the empty chair next to them.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Perfume bottles, empty picture frames, and books arranged by color turn shelves and desks into the curio cabinets of an eclectic collector.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Just another unfunny piece of political propaganda devoid of any laughs whatsoever.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026
  • Her ex, Karl (Jake Johnson, impressively devoid of his signature gruff charm), wants to move their adorable daughter, Hazel (Nola Wallace), from New York to Boise with his new partner, Mallory (Jessy Hodges), a polished grown-up who makes the bohemian Paula feel like a mess.
    Judy Berman, Time, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • The unfussy style features a sleek silhouette, complete with a scoop neckline and a moderate-coverage bottom.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 24 May 2026
  • Alison Ortega threw a complete game with seven strikeouts in La Mirada’s 5-1 win over La Habra.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • Stories are filled with this literal kind of ephemera in the form of what the characters wear, carry, purchase, pocket.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • That proof usually comes in the form of SOC 2, a third-party audit that verifies if a company’s systems and data controls are actually doing what the company claims.
    Ellen Sheng, CNBC, 19 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
  • Washington continued to ignore them in the recent campaign.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Even the wokest of the wokes are ignoring poor Megan.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 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
  • While her defensive energy contributed to the team’s depth, a scoreless night highlighted the utter absurdity of the league elevating a backup guard over the most prolific scorer in basketball history, especially on a night when the team was already missing its star center.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
  • The utter disdain Ronny Chieng brought to the piece was delicious.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blank. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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