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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Recent Examples of building block
Now, as a study in Nature Communications reports, Curiosity may not have only found conditions that could have hosted life, but chemicals that, on Earth at least, are building blocks of biology.
—
Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 21 Apr. 2026
Players like Buium, Tom Willander and Liam Öhgren may be building blocks, perhaps, but the reality is that this process is beginning without any surefire cornerstone pieces in place.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Such a meal should include a good source of protein, such as eggs, in order to stock up on or refuel depleted amino acids, including cysteine and methionine, which are building blocks for protective antioxidants.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
Every day, practice, period, rep, snap and second are building blocks to something bigger.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for building block
Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 21 Apr. 2026
Players like Buium, Tom Willander and Liam Öhgren may be building blocks, perhaps, but the reality is that this process is beginning without any surefire cornerstone pieces in place.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Such a meal should include a good source of protein, such as eggs, in order to stock up on or refuel depleted amino acids, including cysteine and methionine, which are building blocks for protective antioxidants.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
Every day, practice, period, rep, snap and second are building blocks to something bigger.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for building block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for building block
Noun
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This will be his fifth World Cup as a member of the Mexico squad, appearing in 11 matches during his tenure.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
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Family members said Arthur Fernandez was a former wildland firefighter before becoming a heavy machinery operator.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Noun
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Substitutes may work in some lower-end electronics, but for premium smartphones, RF components, AI servers, and automotive electronics, any change in material means requalification, redesign, testing, and time.—
Kevin Williams,
CNBC,
7 June 2026
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At the same time, hard-carbon anodes, one of the key components used in sodium-ion batteries, have moved into industrial-scale production, marking another important milestone in the development of a mature supply chain.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
7 June 2026
Noun
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Alcohol was a big factor and Adderall and cocaine were big factors.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
10 June 2026
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While those shortfalls are diminishing, any sudden expenses, including those caused by factors outside of the city’s control, could quickly add to that burden.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
Noun
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This exposure has helped forge a distinct cultural identity that prioritizes the integration of human infrastructure with elements of the wilderness.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
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The event also featured traditional performance elements, including a vibrant dancer, as city officials and community members marked the beginning of the project.—
Maddie White,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
Noun
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There are also diner burgers and upscale date spots with prime ingredients.—
Alanna Bennett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
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Historically, that has meant tweaking a prescription drug to accommodate the needs of patients who had an allergy to an ingredient, or who couldn't swallow a pill.—
Daniel Gilbert,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Building block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/building%20block. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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