building block

noun

Definition of building blocknext
as in member
one of the parts that make up a whole historically the infantry division has been a basic building block of armies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 building block 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 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 See All Example Sentences for building block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for building block
  1. member
  2. component
  3. factor
  4. element
  5. ingredient
Noun
  • If every member of the group likewise ends up with more of their picks on the slate than on the council, the group has a legitimate reason to complain.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Nikhil Basu Trivedi, cofounder of the venture firm Footwork and GPTZero’s sole outside board member before the Superhuman deal, first met Tian through the Princeton network.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of member
Noun
  • The rule also translates to an extra 90 tons a year of soot particles and 4,870 additional tons a year of smog components such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds emitted into the air in coming years, experts say.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Circ’s technology is designed to separate polycotton into its component materials, recovering cellulose from cotton and PTA and MEG, the building blocks of polyester, from the polyester component.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of component
Noun
  • Climate change was considered a factor in the December 2021 wildfire that destroyed Somauroo's home, after the county's suit was originally filed.
    — LINDSAY WHITEHURST, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Some experts point to worsening public health since the 2008 financial crisis, citing factors such as growing obesity, long hospital waiting times, the cost-of-living crisis and other social causes.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of factor
Noun
  • One of the most jarring elements of Baird’s documentary — as with most nonfiction projects about Palestinians released in the last few years — is how much of the language featured in the film echoes the contemporary moment.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Colman was dressed in another suiting moment that incorporated casual elements like oversized jeans.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of element
Noun
  • Secondly, the breakfast sandwich blended the savoriness, spiciness, and cheesiness of its ingredients perfectly.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Monster Energy said in a statement that caffeine and other drink ingredients are found in a broad range of food products.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of ingredient

Browse Nearby Words

building a fire under
building block
building blocks
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Building block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/building%20block. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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