blank 1 of 3

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
But Kikuchi blanked the Astros on four hits, striking out nine and walking none, for the rest of his seven-inning, 103-pitch start to give the Angels a chance to come back. Mike Digiovanna, Oc Register, 21 June 2025 Over two matches at the Club World Cup, LAFC was blanked by Chelsea and now a Tunisian side. Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Noun
Michie built the rod for me using a 39-thread, Shakespeare, fiberglass blank with Mildrum guides. Donald Millus, Outdoor Life, 3 July 2025 According to Ford's notice to U.S. highway safety regulators, the defect can cause the camera to either display a blank screen or keep the image on the display after the vehicle is no longer in reverse, potentially distracting the driver. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Verb
But for others, especially high-achieving professionals used to being seen and heard, working from home quietly unearths a troubling mental pattern: when the feedback loop goes silent, the mind fills in the blanks. Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Last month, the Treasury Department placed its last order of blanks – flat metal discs to make pennies – in a move set into motion by President Donald Trump in February. Mike Snider, USA Today, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for blank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blank
Adjective
  • Soft yet sturdy, linen bags like this are durable enough to hold a laptop, books, and other travel essentials, yet they can be tucked into your pocket when empty.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • Reese and center Kamilla Cardoso were forced into post-only roles, leading to empty possessions, one-shot trips and child’s play for opposing defenses.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Banking has become functionally correct but emotionally devoid, with the industry swimming in a sea of sameness.
    Michael Abbott, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Delle, devoid for so long from its intrinsic need for social interaction might be filling in the gaps by talking to himself.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 14 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • Now, fans only need to wait until July 25 to get their hands on the complete EP.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Once complete, it is supposed to house up to 3,000 detainees a day at a cost of $450 million a year.
    Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Tariffs are coming due in the form of higher inflation, thinner margins, or a combination of both.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 15 July 2025
  • Physical gold Holding on to physical gold, in the form of gold bars, is another way to invest, Hamilton Capital’s Munoz pointed out.
    Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Remember, ignoring these signals can lead to heat exhaustion or life-threatening heat stroke.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
  • But Eufy is way more similar to my former dogs Biff and Frank, who generally ignored me and went about their own business.
    David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Manny Pacquiao The 30-year-old Barrios won the vacant WBC interim welterweight title in September 2023 with a unanimous decision over Yordenis Ugás.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Denver’s sideline contingent Court-side seats were mostly vacant on Thursday when the Nuggets opened Summer League play against Milwaukee.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Today, dark matter and dark energy — together composing 95% of the contents of the universe — remain utter mysteries.
    Jenna Ahart, Quanta Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • This approach came into being several years ago after the Medical Board’s last confidential diversion system was deemed an utter failure and patients were harmed at the hands of struggling doctors.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The two trips took 14 to 18 hours longer, on average, than the other journeys the gull took during the week-long tracking period, according to the paper.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • Chantilly’s beginnings The neighborhood was first conceived on paper in the 1920’s but remained largely undeveloped until after the second World War, according to Charlotte historian, Tom Hanchett.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blank. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on blank

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!