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 The strategies available are not competing answers so much as building blocks that can be sequenced thoughtfully. — Joshua Harmon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The body uses omega-3s as building blocks and chemical messengers that help reduce inflammation, among other benefits. — Matt Fuchs, Time, 26 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for building block

Recent Examples of Synonyms for building block

Noun

In recent weeks, family members of Lincoln service members voiced worries about deteriorating mental health conditions aboard the ship, as well as sanitary conditions and food shortages.

— Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
From the lifeguard by the pool who’s been here for 30 years and taught most of the members’ children to swim, to the bright young team at the kids’ club.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of member

Noun

But a presidential campaign would also test whether his identity and record on Israel become factors in a Democratic primary at a time when the war in Gaza has exposed deep divisions within the party.

— Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026
Micro-level assessments are highly subjective and vary wildly, with experts deeming them futile due to numerous factors.

— John Werner, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of factor

Noun

Trump frequently changes course on a dime and as all the elements for the Ulchi Freedom drills are in place, scaling them back may not amount to much on the ground.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Garfield, whose credits include playing Spider-Man, says he is drawn to roles with an element of play, community and the natural world.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of element

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“Building block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/building%20block. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of building block

noun

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