BUILDING BLOCKS Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

building blocks

noun

plural of building block

as in members

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 blocks Moreover, most of that ATP isn’t fuel burned outright but an opportunity cost – building blocks that could’ve become a new cell go instead into the spore’s armor and protective proteins. — Canan Karakoç, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026 Competitive advantage increasingly comes from knowing which technologies are strategic enough to develop internally and which can serve as building blocks for innovation higher in the stack. — Iri Trashanski, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Open models can be downloaded, customized and used as building blocks for new AI products, making adoption a gauge of which technologies developers are choosing to build on. — Saritha Rai, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026 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 The goal is not finished meals but building blocks that move easily between lunches and dinners. — Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for building blocks

Noun

The Ukrainian leader held a meeting with military officials and government members on Friday focusing on Ukraine's energy and air defense needs.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
Even as Mills continues to sidestep board approval and frustrations grow among members, no one has tried to oust him or reduce his power.

— Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of members

Noun

The other two judges, Kelly and Tymkovich, concluded the NCAA made a sufficient showing under the factors governing stays pending appeal, including on the merits and irreparable harm.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Lenders may also consider other factors, such as your employment history and existing debt, when evaluating your ability to repay the loan.

— Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of factors

Noun

Per Degroote, who’s been in the unscripted business for over two decades, one of the key ingredients for a format’s success today lies in audience participation.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
The restaurant open since 1992 that now has four locations — SouthPark, uptown, Ballantyne and Winston-Salem — combines seasonal, Southern ingredients and European culinary techniques.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of ingredients

Noun

Given the current concerns about AI token budgeting, energy demand, and general lack of computing components, Microsoft is clearly looking to bring the compute needed to run AI workloads to your desk and out of the data center.

— Jeff Marks, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
However, this series captures the components that made the original so timeless, while allowing the titular character to transcend her small town and connect with other young women with special abilities across the globe.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of components

Noun

In most cases, bed and board have to be paid for, but there are a series of daily spending caps on different elements, such as food and hotel costs.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 11 Oct. 2026
Part of her vision is that juxtaposition of elements, and leaning into making her audience feel that sense of discomfort.

— Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of elements

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building block

building blocks

buildings

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“Building blocks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/building%20blocks. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of building blocks

noun

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