BLOCKS Synonyms: 243 Similar and Opposite Words

blocks 1 of 2

noun

plural of block

as in clusters

a number of things considered as a unit bought a block of stocks

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Relevance

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as in obstacles

something that makes movement or progress difficult constant bickering that is only a block to the completion of the project

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as in heads

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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as in factions

a group of people acting together within a larger group a more conservative block within the political party

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as in coalitions

an association of persons, parties, or states for mutual assistance and protection a block of oil-producing nations

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blocks

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of block

as in fills

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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as in obstructs

to prevent passage through by filling with something one of the patient's arteries was so blocked with fatty deposits that blood flow had been reduced to a trickle

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as in intercepts

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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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 blocks

Noun

The region experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions as large blocks of the Earth’s crust collide. — Christine Valora, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026 Dulcich, who has a reputation as a pass catcher, delivered some impressive blocks, as did rookie tight end Will Kacmarek. — Omar Kelly august 15, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026 Quick edits in small blocks across the screen included one of Murphy’s right foot and shoe. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026 Coming out of the blocks quickly again is crucial, because an immediate exit from Europe could have damaging repercussions for the rest of the season. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Hundreds of buildings — hotels, apartment blocks, mixed-use structures — collapsed or were damaged beyond repair. — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Garnett is the all-time Timberwolves leader in numerous statistical categories, including points, rebounds, blocks, assists and steals. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station sits a couple of blocks from False Creek, which through English Bay and the Straight of Georgia flows out to the ocean. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026 This is not an eclipse to watch from behind a row of houses, trees or office blocks. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Verb

There is no statewide law banning dogs from riding in a vehicle, but an unrestrained pet that blocks your view or climbs into your lap can lead to a reckless driving citation. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026 Solar eclipse watchers have for centuries vividly described an eerie phenomenon known as shadow bands that appears just before and after totality — the period when the moon completely blocks the sun’s light and the sky goes dark. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 Leaving them behind creates a barrier between new seed and the soil, which blocks the root contacts that seedlings rely on to take hold and germinate. — Amanda Tust, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026 Teslas charged quietly in the corner of the parking lot, tucked behind a low, slatted wall that blocks the bustle of Blue Lakes traffic. — Idaho Statesman, 7 Aug. 2026 So this is why dermatologists recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA rays, those are the ones that cause tanning and aging, and UVB rays, which are more responsible for sunburn and many skin cancers. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026 Regularly dusting the leaves gets rid of debris that blocks sunlight. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026 But do not turn IT into a firewall that blocks experimentation. — Harini Gopalakrishnan, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The action blocks many new models from receiving the FCC authorization required before companies can import or sell them in the United States. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for blocks

Noun

The group’s survey efforts are mostly organized into 17 clusters, each containing 12 to 16 individual collection sites spread out in a grid of roughly 14 square miles.

— John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Multiple outbreaks, only one tied to lettuce Not all of these clusters have been linked to the same source, however.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of clusters

Noun

If the state case does go forward after the likely appeals are exhausted, there are obstacles that could get in the way of a potential trial.

— Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
If trading partners try to mount further obstacles to Chinese exports, Beijing could turn to tools of economic coercion, such as restricted access to refined critical minerals, to compel other countries to keep their markets open.

— Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstacles

Noun

For now, his dream to referee at a men’s World Cup must wait until 2030 at the earliest when the tournament heads to Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Trump frequently posts official government announcements exclusively on Truth Social, including military attacks and ceasefires, the hiring and firing of agency heads, and major domestic policies, the lawsuit said.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of heads

Noun

The two frontrunners in the Democratic primary are now Hong and Crowley, who has since gotten Evers' backing, setting up a battle between the party's moderate and progressive factions.

— Caroline Linton, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
But, as analysts note, candidates often appeal to their party's hardline or most vocal factions in primaries before later tempering their messages.

— Christopher Cann, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of factions

Noun

And as Netanyahu’s coalitions hardened Schleien’s programs became edgier, skewering Netanyahu sycophants in the Likud Party, anti-élitist demagogues, cultic settlers, and rabbinic mandarins.

— Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
Global coalitions and international forums like the World Economic Forum (WEF) offer a literal stage for diverse-minded experts to solve the complex governance, security, and policy challenges created by AI.

— Shlomo Kramer, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of coalitions

Verb

How quickly the bladder fills depends on several factors; therefore, there’s no hard-and-fast rule about how long people can go between bathroom trips.

— Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2026
Spring brings wildflowers to the mountain, while summer fills its alpine meadows with flowering herbs like oregano and thyme.

— Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026