block 1 of 2

1
2
3
as in head
slang the upper or front part of the body that contains the brain, the major sense organs, and the mouth threatened to knock the block off the jerk next door if he didn't can the noise

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in side
a group of people acting together within a larger group a more conservative block within the political party

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

block

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to fill
to close up so that no empty spaces remain block up the opening in the wall where a window once was

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to intercept
to stop, seize, or interrupt while in progress or on course a thug suddenly stepped out of a doorway and blocked his escape down the alley

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb block contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of block are hinder, impede, and obstruct. While all these words mean "to interfere with the activity or progress of," block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress.

a landslide blocked the road

When might hinder be a better fit than block?

While the synonyms hinder and block are close in meaning, hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress.

rain hindered the climb

In what contexts can impede take the place of block?

In some situations, the words impede and block are roughly equivalent. However, impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering.

tight clothing that impedes movement

When would obstruct be a good substitute for block?

The meanings of obstruct and block largely overlap; however, obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way.

the view was obstructed by billboards

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 block
Noun
No need to whack the actual band against the block. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 May 2025 He’s placed small wooden blocks wrapped in felt behind the headboard to protect the wall without being an eyesore or causing permanent damage to the surrounding space. Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 3 May 2025
Verb
Instead of being absorbed into the skin, the minerals physically deflect and block the sun’s rays. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 20 May 2025 The high court granted the administration's request to lift for now a lower court's injunction that blocked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's revocation of the Temporary Protected Status program, or TPS, for Venezuelans. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for block
Noun
  • Since then, the cry for additional testing and a review of the cancer cluster has only gotten louder.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 May 2025
  • The star cluster that makes up Queen Berenice’s hair is made up of very young stars, about 500 million years old.
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Powered by Adelaide, Forbes AI Running a company means facing obstacles that shake your foundation.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Players utilize a set of common rules -- that can be altered by the game master -- and dice to overcome obstacles as the group works to collaboratively tell a story.
    Remington Miller, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Now, Maineri heads into year 12 with 18 pitchers on his roster, hoping that rising junior Caleb Gilbert and sophomore-to-be Zach Hess will emerge at the top of the pitching rotation.
    John Roach, NOLA.com, 19 July 2017
  • Cal Fire representatives said the current parking mess has already impacted them because the driveway to their station enters the highway not far from the trail head.
    J. Harry Jones, Ramona Sentinel, 19 July 2017
Noun
  • From here, slowly move the ball in an arch toward your right side. 4.
    Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2025
  • Dump the mixture into your baking dish and press around the pan until there's a 1/2-inch edge on all sides.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Americans are divided on that topic, with 55% saying historical figures that supported the confederacy and racial segregation should not be memorialized in a June 2024 survey by the Public Religion Research Institute.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Men were the representatives of their clans and nations in the Haudenosaunee council, which made decisions for the confederacy as a whole.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The agency, whose fewer than 1,900 federal employees oversee the more than 60,000 contractors who build and maintain the U.S. nuclear arsenal, has struggled to fill crucial safety roles.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Lau died in 1984 at age 63. 07 of 08 William Katt as Paul Drake, Jr. Due to Hopper's death in 1970, the studio needed someone to fill his shoes in the reunion films.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control. Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025
  • As a result, these devices can be highly reactive to bright sources of light, such as street lamps or the luminous glow of a full moon, which can obstruct your ability to see clearly in certain directions.
    Matt Morris, Space.com, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • The Iron Dome, developed with U.S. backing, has intercepted thousands of rockets and has a success rate topping 90%, according to Israel.
    Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 21 May 2025
  • Golden Dome takes its inspiration, at least in name, from Israel's Iron Dome, a missile shield system that has been used since 2011 by the Israel Defense Forces to intercept rockets and artillery weapons.
    Brett Tingley, Space.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/block. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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