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
In the clip, Ciara was seen standing next to four shirts emblazoned with each of her kids’ names as well as a blank baby onesie set aside for her fifth baby. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2026 There can be comfort in discovering that the pages of the book never read were blank all along. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
In the meantime, former staff is filling in the blanks left by the missing report. Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 21 Aug. 2026 There had been a portrait that may have depicted the real-life Billy, and it could have been used, but Ondaatje was advised by his poet friend bpNichol to leave the space blank. Amitava Kumar, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
The righthander has blanked opponents in 20 of his last 21 outings (through June 11) and is unscored upon in 15 appearances at Tropicana Field this season. Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 Chloe Manning struck out 10 as Plymouth North (9-11) blanked Whitman-Hanson 3-0 in a Patriot League tilt. Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for blank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blank
Adjective
  • For the Dodgers, the worst tickets seldom fall to market rate, because the team would rather live with a few empty seats rather than condition fans to hold out for a lower price.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • These simple and easily transportable sliders guarantee you’ll be left with an empty dish.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 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
  • Many organizations don’t have a complete inventory of where cryptography is being used today.
    Evgeny Gervis, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Once that happens, the attackers have the token that gives complete control over the Muse account.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In non-linear lyric forms, the following collections braid love’s ruthless endings with its tenderest beginnings.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Sacramento State’s team, to a man, understands who and what is invading Hornet Stadium on Saturday night on ESPN, a thundering herd of buffalo rooted in tradition in the form of the North Dakota State Bison.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Markets have seen through the emptiness of Bessent’s remedy, as ‘bond vigilantes’ have driven bond yields even higher despite Bessent’s band-aids.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Drugs ravaged the streets, leaving needles and even more emptiness in their wake.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • South Korea shifted to a softer tone under current liberal President Lee Jae Myung, but North Korea has so far ignored Lee's calls to resume diplomacy.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Dwindling visitor traffic and exhibitor numbers — and rising prices per square foot — can no longer be ignored at ready-to-wear, footwear and accessories trade shows around the world.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That included eliminating 400 vacant positions, tapping an $89 million rail-project reserve to cover transit expenses and using an affordable-housing reserve to pay for a county eviction-reduction program.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The old data center building that has been sitting vacant out beyond centerfield is slated to come down, making way for more development.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a wonderful fraction of a second when the Villa fans in the Holte End have to adjust from impending despair to utter joy.
    Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Fall in Europe brings with it brisk temperatures that make sightseeing an utter joy, thinner crowds that leave room for locals, and an opportunity to experience cities in their most authentic light.
    Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blank. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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