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
Too Much Wall Art Wall art is a great way to make a space feel more complete, but don’t be afraid to leave some blank space here and there. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 21 July 2026 Fill in blank spots in your garden beds with either bush and pole beans, which need a trellis for support. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 19 July 2026
Noun
Couric then handed the virtual mic to Molner, who filled in some of his wife’s blanks. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026 Weston McKennie slumped in a chair, mind spinning, stare blank, while Matt Freese wandered and Tim Ream pondered the end. Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 7 July 2026
Verb
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 Then three Atlanta relievers blanked Colorado for the final four innings. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for blank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blank
Adjective
  • Thekla, Becomes First Women’s Grand Slam Champion Mercedes Mone looked on from the stands with no lighting and surrounded by empty seats.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Much of the ground there has turned black with ash and many cars have been reduced to empty shells of twisted metal.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 July 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
  • Provide a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, including tasks from other teams, to give managers a complete picture.
    Andy Molinsky, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The couple is ready for a complete change in scenery, eying winters in Hawaii.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • There’s no spa or fitness center—wellness here comes in the form of fresh ocean air, bike rides, and harbor walks.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026
  • In its simplest form, scientists can put a chunk of soil in a mason jar, measure how much gas is released over time, then extrapolate a total figure.
    Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Gone are the extended multi-part suites and intricate guitar workouts, replaced by slight, tender melodies engulfed in a striking emptiness.
    Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026
  • Years of waiting for his return were answered with disappointing emptiness, a frustration that could be permanent if McGregor never sets foot in another octagon.
    Mark Puleo, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Verb
  • Renner said Donalds is ignoring base Republican voters in his campaign, especially by refusing to debate him, Collins and conservative activist and investor James Fishback.
    Gray Rohrer, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The simple, rather depressing, and completely overwhelming fact of the matter is that the Marvel Cinematic Universe cannot be ignored, even as superhero fatigue has definitively set in at the global box office.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • The historic Art Deco shops fronting the new hotel along Washington that its developers were obligated to renovate remain fully vacant.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • There’s the new buildings such as Queensbridge Collective or 110 East in South End, which is about 5% vacant.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • The violence of the newborn micrometeoroid's exile was followed by an epoch of utter silence, as its orbit was subtly influenced by the unseen forces of the solar system.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 21 July 2026
  • The Springboks struggled to reflect their utter domination on the scoreboard and ought to have doubled their seven actual tries by seven different scorers.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blank. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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