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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 setting, which changes from a blank Brutalism to a trailer-park-home installation suggesting one of Arnold’s cold-eyed dioramas, creates its own theatrical coup. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026 By July 1, 2027, the Colorado Secretary of State will provide long-form articles with check-box and fill-in-the-blank provisions — covering ownership structure, governance, IP terms, tax treatment, and more—so artists can set up their own A-Corps without needing to consult a lawyer. Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 3 June 2026
Noun
The site may ask you to connect with a chat bot to fill in any blanks in your application. Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026 Thoughts race, filling in the blanks with worst-case scenarios. Bybryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 14 May 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
  • Nikolaj Ehlers added an empty-net goal and two assists for the Hurricanes, Jackson Blake had a goal and an assist, and Logan Stankoven scored a goal.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
  • If Congress doesn't act and allows the trust fund to empty, the program will only pay out what the government collects in taxes.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Well it’s expected to make some big box office bucks this weekend, but sadly this reboot, simply called once again Scary Movie, is surprisingly devoid of many laughs.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 4 June 2026
  • Although service is not quite polished, the happy-go-lucky Dutch-Caribbean staff are refreshingly devoid of attitude.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Put simply, Maine would not be Maine without its lobster—and a trip to Maine wouldn’t be complete without eating some.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • That single trait adds a complete unpredictability to Waddle’s breaks.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Echoing the disorientation of grief, the novel doesn’t take the form of a straightforward story, but rather a mosaic of flashbacks, anecdotes, and reflections.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • Roughly 100 milligrams of vitamin C, about the amount in a medium orange, a cup of strawberries or half a red bell pepper, can double non-heme iron absorption by converting it to a more soluble form.
    Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Interstellar space is unforgivingly vast, but the emptiness has some advantages.
    Kai James, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
  • The Tuesday parking shortage and the Monday emptiness are not anomalies to correct.
    Chase Garbarino, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • So next time your airline sends you that push notification or reminder email, don’t ignore it.
    Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 9 June 2026
  • But Canaccord Genuity thinks investors should ignore the decline and get into the stock now.
    Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Other mammoth rehab projects in the works nearby are expected to help fill vacant offices and revive aging skyscrapers with new apartments and hotel rooms.
    Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
  • The former Soul Gastrolounge space has been vacant for nearly four years, and while rumors have recently circulated online about possible new tenants, including mentions of a fast-casual chain or even a mattress store, there’s no confirmation that any of them are legitimate.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Trump has opened our eyes to the consequences of extreme greed, corruption, cruelty, and utter disregard for the Constitution and the rule of law.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2026
  • Tharmarajah provides a great balance of comic relief and utter poignance, explaining his survival techniques as an orphan, carving out a pragmatic path in life leading to a particular kind of soaring.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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