BUILDING BLOCK Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

building block

noun

Definition of building block

as in member

one of the parts that make up a whole historically the infantry division has been a basic building block of armies

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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 building block Assembling two dozen worthy building blocks is a mighty tall task, especially for a team starting with just a handful. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026 The building blocks of Ray’s crimes—compulsiveness, transgressiveness, poor boundaries—were there from early adulthood. — Adeline Goss, New Yorker, 11 June 2026 Likewise, Wong’s bricks are beyond compare in the attention lavished on each individual building block. — Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026 Indexes swung lower after companies selling computer chips, memory and other building blocks of the AI boom broke from early gains to losses. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for building block

Recent Examples of Synonyms for building block

Noun

There is arguably no greater example of the players’ power than in 2020 when members of the Atlanta Dream wore T-shirts endorsing then-Democratic candidate Raphael Warnock who at the time was running against Loeffler.

— Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026
On July 14, council member Meredith Stead pointed to two neighborhood associations in her district — one in favor of the designation, the other strongly opposed.

— Mark Dee July 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026

Definition of member

Noun

Beyond reducing component counts, the approach broadens supply chain options, speeds manufacturing, and provides greater flexibility when increasing output.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
Doing so helps lubricate seals and keeps refrigerant circulating through the system, reducing the chance that components dry out during long periods of inactivity.

— Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

Definition of component

Noun

While commenter gave a thoroughly detailed response, prominent Sedalia historian Becky Imhauser spoke about the city’s history with the fair, and what factors went into it being housed in Sedalia.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
An abnormally wet winter in Europe — with long-lasting rain and frequent storms in January and February — is likely a factor in the wildfires.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 July 2026

Definition of factor

Noun

Instead of crowding your entryway with a table, bench and coat rack, consider getting a piece that combines those elements, says Lynch.

— Andee Tagle, NPR, 19 July 2026
Electronic warfare is increasingly becoming a critical element of modern military operations, where forces must rapidly detect, identify and counter hostile electromagnetic emissions while protecting friendly communications.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026

Definition of element

Noun

Skyroot will need a lot more funding to realize that dream, but Saturday’s launch showed the company has ingredients required for a successful launch company.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 19 July 2026
Fresh cream, valued for its rich butterfat content, is the most expensive ingredient in ice cream.

— Isabelle LaBianco, CNN Money, 19 July 2026

Definition of ingredient

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“Building block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/building%20block. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of building block

noun

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