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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
Very wise and powerful, but [settles face into a blank expression]. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 May 2025 The one-year contract appeared to have been signed in Havana in 2023, but the month and day were left blank in the copy obtained by Cuba Archive, which Werlau believes indicates the agreement is still in place. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 5 May 2025
Noun
Star Wars did, after all, start in the middle, go backwards, then forward, and then started filling in the blanks—not always in order. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 22 Apr. 2025 To Mazin, that kind of invention, of filling in the blanks of the game’s story, is the fun part of his job. Nick Romano, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
The Wildcats blanked Mitty in five innings to remain undefeated in West Catholic Athletic League play. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025 Madison Keys blanked Swiatek in the first set, 6-0. Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blank
Adjective
  • One night at dinner, my daughter whispered to me that the empty bread basket was a bummer.
    Lauren Mechling, Vogue, 19 May 2025
  • The mad sorceress Eudoxia, Empress of Troy, has died, leaving the Serpent Throne empty.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 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
  • Walt Disney World is gearing up for a fantastic summer, complete with a new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom, two new shows debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a slew of new activities for guests at select resorts.
    Megan duBois, Southern Living, 12 May 2025
  • By the time markets closed on Monday, the rebound was complete, with traders actually up from January thanks to the biggest day of gains since tariffs tanked confidence.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • There is a sense of anticipation as plants return from one year to the next, often with surprising variations in color or form from the natural diversity found in seed.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
  • The silver coins — called denarii — were introduced in Rome in 211 B.C. and were the dominant form of currency for about 500 years, per the Art Institute of Chicago.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • There will be anticipation over the next move following Zelensky and his European partners endorsing an unconditional ceasefire with Russia starting Monday, which Moscow has ignored.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
  • Still, gaming’s impact on licensed music can’t be ignored.
    Kaare Eriksen, Variety, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Inside the one-story cinder block building, three state health officials sat along a table at the front of the largely vacant room.
    Margaret Coker, ProPublica, 14 May 2025
  • Fast forward: After three years, the site remains vacant, fenced and undeveloped.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Cricket is not even just fighting against other sports, but also its own with the slew of formats and franchise leagues creating utter confusion amid a congested calendar.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • Trump, for his part, has shown no interest in Palestinian civilian life for its own sake (and has demonstrated utter disdain for domestic pro-Palestinian activists).
    Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • While a lot of the team’s success will derive from how well quarterback Carson Beck performs in 2025, the cast around him getting better on paper certainly helps.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
  • Their schedule late in the season is favorable on paper, at least, outside their season finale against the Bills.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blank. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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