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 Researchers highlighted three essential amino acids that are building blocks of protein — methionine, isoleucine and valine. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Scientists have found interesting chemistry in our galaxy, including building blocks for genetic material and parts of the cell. — CBS News, 13 July 2026 Each 21-centimeter-square robot is equipped with its own thrusters, sensors, and magnetic latches, allowing the fleet to connect like building blocks on the water. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 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 See All Example Sentences for building block

Recent Examples of Synonyms for building block

Noun

The finance chiefs ended the meeting without a joint communique, underscoring persistent divisions among members over the Middle East conflict, trade imbalances, and Russia's war with Ukraine.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Krantz said the suspect, a male city resident who has not yet been publicly identified, was spotted entering the school by a community member, who eventually pursued him into the school and shot him.

— Chad de Guzman, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of member

Noun

Trump’s announcement during his second trip to Ohio in two weeks was prompted by an August presidential memorandum directing administration officials to identify a suitable location for the component repair center within 90 days.

— Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
The choices are housed in the Atelier Vivier MTO cabinet, a silver console containing the available materials and hardware, while a digital component allows clients to visualize combinations before production begins.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of component

Noun

Measles usually kills two or three people in every 1,000 cases, the WHO says, but the disease can be more deadly in poorer nations because of factors such as malnutrition.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
This year, those existing factors coincide with what is predicted to become the strongest El Niño event in recorded history.

— Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of factor

Noun

In Blue Level and Desert Moon (both 1955), with their solid areas of blues and reds, respectively, Krasner constructed a vertical world that stood straight and sturdy, raw elements reaching beyond the painting’s top and bottom edges.

— John Yau, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
The situation is similar to plumbing fixtures located within a unit, which are a unit owner’s responsibility even though the building’s common element plumbing system brings water to all units.

— Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of element

Noun

What began as a few purists chasing a vibe became an ingredient an entire industry pays extra for.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Spring & Mulberry chocolate is notoriously good for gifting—the packaging is beautiful, and the brand uses the best of ingredients from direct-trade single-origin cacao and organic dates.

— Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of building block

noun

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