block 1 of 2

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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
But also then with their spacing, not just chasing unrealistic blocks that open up things, as well. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025 The big picture: Along with resurrecting the beloved venue, the development increases the land use at a central Allston intersection a block from the old site by replacing the current low-rise structures with a multistory mixed-use building. Mike Deehan, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
That’s because of a ridge of high pressure that built up off the coast, blocking many storms. Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025 First, inspect the vent and the area around it to ensure it’s not damaged, restricted, or blocked by animal nests. Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for block 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for block
Noun
  • These finds include a cluster of precious metal objects.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Two dense clusters of the spindly florals become a bikini-tie top, worn with an open-front catsuit that looks like it was drawn directly onto the models body.
    Leah Dolan, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • As businesses adapted to new ways of working, obstacles were removed for employees who had previously found their options limited.
    Gene Myers, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Poor planning can jeopardize access to space, materials, and equipment, leading to obstacles that drain time and money.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 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
  • Even though the bibs are fully waterproof, you’ll be properly ventilated thanks to the side vents.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Because while many of the best places to visit in Spain are well-loved, some offer a side to the country that may surprise you.
    Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Adams wanted to align the young Republic with Great Britain, while Jefferson favored a confederacy with France.
    Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Aug. 2024
Verb
  • Men's Royal Rumble This year, the Men's Royal Rumble is filled with plenty of deserving talent, with exciting newcomers like Jacob Fatu and venerated veterans like Rey Mysterio.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The world was already filled with dozens upon dozens private museums and outdoor sculpture gardens founded by collectors.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Johnson faced charges of violating her oath of office, a felony, and a misdemeanor count of obstructing police when her trial opened last week.
    Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Musk’s incursions into other agencies have reportedly risked exposing sensitive information to unqualified personnel, and obstructing people’s access to lifesaving medicine.
    Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The War Zone said the American spy plane could be able to detect and intercept communications in the northwestern territory of Mexico, which is the Sinaloa cartel's sphere of influence.
    Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
  • The base also includes a facility, known as the Migrant Operations Center, where U.S. immigration officials have screened some asylum-seekers intercepted at sea for years.
    Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near block

Cite this Entry

“Block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/block. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

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