block 1 of 3

Definition of blocknext
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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

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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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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)

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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
SCADstory, a few blocks over, offers a sweeping, immersive demonstration of creativity of Savannah College of Art and Design students and gives a sense of how the school has become such a cultural force in the city (suggested $5 donation; advance reservations recommended). Adam Kuehl, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026 King would also be barred from returning to his home in the 2500 block of Northeast 78th Street and would not be allowed to reside within a two-mile radius of the Maple Woods Estates neighborhood. Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
The water-repellent finish adds protection in unpredictable weather, while the storm flap helps block chilly drafts. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026 Wisconsin Democrats, and even most Republicans, have pushed for years to expand Medicaid coverage for new mothers, only to be blocked by powerful Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for block
Noun
  • The ever-popular Joshua Tree Coffee Company is nearby as well, alongside a cluster of vintage shops and art spaces.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Our Local Group — like all galaxy groups and galaxy clusters — will experience this, eventually creating a super-galaxy known as Milkdromeda.
    Big Think, Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In Waterfield’s view, the single biggest obstacle for genetic genealogy is the cost of lab work and rising upload fees associated with the DNA databases relied upon by investigators.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Anything that was anti-Jewish—a story about exclusion, an obstacle that hadn’t come down, a disapproving enumeration of supposedly Jewish traits—was possibly more fascinating.
    Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • After Mike Vrabel was fired as the head coach in Tennessee, Kuhr spent the 2024 season as a defensive assistant with the Giants before Vrabel re-hired him in New England as his inside linebackers coach.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
  • After last season’s 7-5 finish, head coach Brennan Marion left to become Colorado’s OC.
    Jason Kirk, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • My first night is spent on the top floor of the historic main house in a double room, where cooling cream and butterscotch tones are set against pops of deep ocean blue in geometric patterns across plump pillows and beams—taller guests should choose their side of the bed accordingly.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Giggs took the games seriously and was usually on the winning side.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Even in contemporary political and intellectual discourse, there remains an attachment to a particular stupid southern conservatism, the ideocratic confederacy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • French firm Danone has also recalled formula products, including some Aptamil and Cow & Gate batches in the UK.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Working in batches, coat croquettes with cornmeal, turning and pressing to adhere.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Florida bills would do much of that work by forcing married and divorced women to navigate expensive bureaucratic hurdles to match their maiden and married names.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Had there been hurdles to that process before this latest round of negotiations happened?
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Nine months later, Kinser’s remains were found in a sinkhole with a bullet hole in his skull, according to court documents.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Jokes aside, the derelict skulls touched her.
    Danielle Paquette The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/block. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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