block 1 of 3

Definition of blocknext
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 3

verb (1)

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

block (off)

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to guard
to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point the square is temporarily blocked off for the street fair

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
On Tuesday morning, Chicago police said a 39-year-old man was getting out of his car in the 5200 block of West Montana Street when two men walked up with a gun and demanded his belongings. Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026 In 1991, the bakery moved two blocks south to 4508 Burnet Road, a larger and more prominent corner location. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
Some of those accommodations include blocking off sections of the property for noise-sensitive guests, providing black-out curtains for light-sensitive customers, offering larger shower benches with handheld levers, and even adjusting the presentation of food and beverage options. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026 Advertisement The deal took shape after Senate Democrats on Thursday afternoon unanimously blocked the broader spending package in a 45-to-55 procedural vote, denying it the 60 votes needed to advance. Nik Popli, Time, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for block
Noun
  • Instead, on a variety of cosmic scales, from the insides of individual galaxies to groups and clusters of galaxies all the way up to the largest filamentary structures of all, an additional source of gravity is required.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Cherry angiomas are harmless, non-cancerous clusters of tiny blood vessels that appear as small, bright red spots on the skin.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Why cruise lines conduct safety drills Safety drills, also called muster drills, are not the brainchild of a sadistic cruise ship officer, trying to place obstacles between cruise guests and their sunbathing and cocktails.
    Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
  • University officials tried to reassure the campus that the impacts of the new policy would be minimal, affecting only a small portion of the classes being offered and that class cancellations wouldn’t create any obstacles preventing students from staying on course to graduate.
    Juan A. Lozano, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The six-time Super Bowl champion head coach fell short of the 40 out of 50 votes needed for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich is considered a top candidate for the job, according to league and team sources.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Even if the two sides strike a deal, negotiations down the road on a final agreement on the Homeland Security bill are likely to be difficult.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Iran’s internet connectivity has been partially restored, but experts are warning that, even on the other side of the digital blackout, the outlook for Iranian internet access remains bleak.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The conflict escalated into full-scale war between the U.S. Army and a confederacy of tribes led by Miami chief Little Turtle and Shawnee chief Blue Jacket to decide who would keep Ohio.
    Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Nov. 2025
  • Long before settlers came to the Americas, there was a confederacy and governance system between three tribes: the Ottawa, the Ojibwe and the Potawatomi.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Working in batches if needed, arrange shrimp in a single layer in air-fryer basket.
    Holly Riordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Working in 2 batches and adding more oil between batches if needed, cook chicken in a single layer, undisturbed, until golden brown underneath, about 5 minutes.
    Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The first major hurdle was genetics and to solve it, the research team built a dedicated breeding base in Lueyang county in Shaanxi, where Northwest A&F University is based.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Because they are considered low-impact, Type II actions are exempt from the full SEQRA environmental review process, which saves time and reduces bureaucratic hurdles.
    Carlina Rivera, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Epperson was transported to a hospital, where he was admitted into intensive care with a brain bleed, skull fracture and jaw fracture, according to a GoFundMe created to cover his medical bills.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • The deeper injury, the one inside my skull, went unnoticed.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/block. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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!