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
Meanwhile, the set was elevated by a short but wide block heel, a more stable and demure take on the pump. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025 Currently there are already about 73,000 parking spaces downtown, the city says, but the developer insisted current and prospective tenants would want more parking in the block. Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
The letter also alleged that the Smithsonian has called for the pending fiscal year 2026 Interior and Environment Appropriations Act and the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act to be amended to block funding for the shuttle’s transport and rehousing. ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2025 It will almost certainly be blocked. ABC News, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for block
Noun
  • Unlike the plush option that just comes with down clusters, the mid-plush and firm densities are down cluster and feather pillows.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2025
  • If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But formidable obstacles remain in the way of a durable peace in Gaza, where a ceasefire collapsed in March after nearly two months of relative calm when Israel unleashed a barrage of airstrikes.
    Alexander Cornwell, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
  • But even with these obstacles, oddsmakers seem to believe the Bucs have plot armor.
    J.J. Bailey, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The network was about to hire The Daily Show host when a producer Kimmel worked with on the '90s game show Win Ben Stein's Money suggested that the head of the network watch video of him, Kimmel explained Wednesday on the Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
  • To combat this, a 4-2-3-1 can be morphed into multiple defensive shapes depending on the head coach’s preference.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Marines were firing artillery from the coast to inland impact zones on the other side of the freeway.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Gaza ceasefire broken by both sides Hamas fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli positions and Israel responded with air strikes.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The confederacy of tribes was pressured into ceding lands to the state of New York, and further displaced by ensuing frontier settlement.
    Matthew Smith, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Many people believe the confederacy influenced the drafters of the U.S. Constitution.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For me, it’s been really essential to read a lot of great information, and to come at the world filled with knowledge and all these ideas of, in my view, much smarter and braver people than myself.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
  • When an aneurysm bursts, Moore said, clamping or coiling — filling the bubble with wire — are effective treatments.
    Kaan Ozcan, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Trump faced criminal counts of conspiring to obstruct justice, concealing documents and making false statements.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 49ers were poised to answer with their first points, but the Falcons’ Kaden Ellis intercepted a Jones pass that Jauan Jennings bobbled at the Falcons’ 18.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Washington had intercepted Japanese communications and received warnings that an attack was possible.
    Big Think, Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/block. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on block

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!