block 1 of 3

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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
  • While red, inflamed skin was often seen as the norm, my flares—ranging from deep brown or purplish dry patches to clusters of tiny, itchy bumps—looked more like a disease to be feared and ashamed of rather than understood and treated.
    Raelle Kennedy, Health, 12 May 2025
  • This fungus cluster also generated airborne spores, infecting the soldiers.
    Noel Murray, New York Times, 12 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
Noun
  • Every batch is regularly checked and sorted to ensure no mold has developed.
    Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 May 2025
  • But her latest batch of music signals a new direction in Cash’s life and musical direction.
    Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Other hurdles, such as charging infrastructure and consumer education, remain.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 13 May 2025
  • The impact of the legislative hurdles is being felt at the construction site.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Between 1995 and 2013, a skull and bone fragments washed ashore on the beaches of South Jersey, including in Longport, Margate and Ocean City.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 23 May 2025
  • The report does, however, include the detail that the ball that killed Felix must have been traveling at over 100 miles per hour to cause the skull fracture.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/block. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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