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
Cloudy white spots in the lens, possibly linked to genetics or diabetes, that block vision. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 Anthony Brown, 59, who works at an outpatient program and pantry down the block from Mette’s apartment, said Mette was a pillar of the neighborhood who offered grandmotherly support to everyone. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
If access is granted, security controls are in place to block the bad and protect the good. Zeus Kerravala, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 Opposition parties, civil-society groups, ex-generals, and other citizens filed suit, asking the supreme court to block Bar’s dismissal. Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for block
Noun
  • For instance, in 2015, Texas A&M scientists found that implanting electrodes into a cockroach's ganglion (the neuron cluster that controls its front legs) was remarkably effective at successfully steering the roaches 60 percent of the time.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
  • This year, the nominating committee left a cluster of prominent directors far from the spotlight.
    Scott Heller, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The Arches is designed for all-around off-roading, while the Cliffhanger is geared toward slow, technical obstacles.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • However, the obstacle avoidance technology included in the X10 Pro Omni has a 3D MatrixEye.
    Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 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
  • The benefits on the network side are also a major reason for our investment in Capital One.
    Kevin Stankiewicz,Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
  • How is distilling whiskey in Texas different than Kentucky? MH: The climate has a big effect on the barrel aging side of things, and during fermentation and distillation.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 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 seaside streets are filled with great shopping, dining, and architecture just waiting to be discovered.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Finally, go ahead and chop 35% off the Google Pixel Buds Pro wireless earbuds for filling commutes or jogs with bold bass, hushed background noise with ANC, and hands-free Google Assistant commands.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, cameras often fail in cases where the body is obstructed by blankets or clothes, or when lighting is inadequate.
    Aly Fathy, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Eichel intercepted Kaprizov’s centering pass, charged down the ice and found Karlsson for a back-door goal to make it 1-0.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • That offload in Florida came from 13 separate incidents where Coast Guard ships intercepted drug trafficking operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/block. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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