Synonyms of block

block 1 of 2

noun

ˈbläk 

1

as in cluster

a number of things considered as a unit

bought a block of stocks

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cluster
• batch
• array
• collection
• set
• bunch
• grouping
• group
• constellation
• assemblage
• lot
• clump
• package
• bank
• battery
• series
• suite
• assortment
• clutch
• variety
• mixture
• band
• clot
• parcel
• muster
• huddle
• aggregate
• accumulation
• aggregation
• jumble
• the whole kit and caboodle
• knot
• conglomeration
• passel
• agglomeration
• suit
• hodgepodge
• cycle
• odds and ends
• run
• sundries
• miscellany

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unit
• entity
• item
• single

2

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult

constant bickering that is only a block to the completion of the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• barrier
• interference
• let
• embarrassment
• chain
• stop
• inhibition
• impediment
• stumbling block
• clog
• load
• burden
• shackles
• hindrance
• constraint
• handicap
• encumbrance
• deterrent
• cramp
• bar
• drag
• balk
• brake
• blockade
• trammel
• delay
• curb
• hitch
• blockage
• crimp
• catch
• holdback
• stone wall
• rub
• fetter
• disadvantage
• manacle
• snag
• danger
• stall
• brick wall
• stoppage
• restraint
• arrest
• rein
• hazard
• embargo
• difficulty
• bit
• hobble
• reef
• drawback
• check
• holdup
• peril
• hardship
• cumber
• adversity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentive
• stimulus
• catalyst
• spur
• edge
• impetus
• advantage
• break
• benefit
• assistance
• aid
• stimulant
• help
• goad
• boost
• handmaiden
• handmaid

3

as in head

slang the upper or front part of the body that contains the brain, the major sense organs, and the mouth

threatened to knock the block off the jerk next door if he didn't can the noise

Synonyms & Similar Words

• head
• skull
• dome
• noodle
• bean
• mazzard
• noggin
• mazard
• pate
• poll
• nut
• nob
• noddle
• melon
• scalp
• crown
• cranium
• occiput

4

as in side

a group of people acting together within a larger group

a more conservative block within the political party

Synonyms & Similar Words

• side
• faction
• wing
• party
• bloc
• team
• coalition
• set
• sect
• body
• movement
• split
• crew
• denomination
• gang
• pack
• splinter
• caucus
• persuasion
• scission
• schism

5

as in confederacy

an association of persons, parties, or states for mutual assistance and protection

a block of oil-producing nations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confederacy
• coalition
• union
• alliance
• league
• federation
• combine
• combination
• bloc
• axis
• confederation
• partnership
• group
• organization
• fusion
• side
• wing
• front
• association
• cartel
• syndicate
• faction
• conspiracy
• cooperative
• cabal
• trust
• affiliation
• junto
• conference
• circuit

block

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to fill

to close up so that no empty spaces remain

block up the opening in the wall where a window once was

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fill
• pack
• plug
• seal
• dam
• stop
• stuff
• bung
• obstruct
• clog
• congest
• occlude
• close (off)
• choke
• jam
• clot
• caulk
• chink
• repack
• restuff

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shovel
• hollow (out)
• excavate
• scoop (out)

2

as in to obstruct

to prevent passage through by filling with something

one of the patient's arteries was so blocked with fatty deposits that blood flow had been reduced to a trickle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obstruct
• jam
• choke
• fill
• clog
• congest
• stuff
• dam
• stop (up)
• occlude
• flood
• gum (up)
• plug (up)
• clot
• pack
• cork
• overwhelm
• stopper
• gridlock
• fur
• bung
• stopple
• silt
• inundate
• swamp
• spile
• glut

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• open (up)
• free
• clear
• unplug
• unblock
• hollow (out)
• excavate
• scoop (out)
• unclog
• empty
• unstop
• lighten

3

as in to intercept

to stop, seize, or interrupt while in progress or on course

a thug suddenly stepped out of a doorway and blocked his escape down the alley

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intercept
• grab
• catch
• capture
• trap
• snatch
• pick off
• interdict
• seize
• snare
• corral
• collar

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb block contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of block are hinder, impede, and obstruct. While all these words mean "to interfere with the activity or progress of," block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress.

a landslide blocked the road

When might hinder be a better fit than block?

While the synonyms hinder and block are close in meaning, hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress.

rain hindered the climb

In what contexts can impede take the place of block?

In some situations, the words impede and block are roughly equivalent. However, impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering.

tight clothing that impedes movement

When would obstruct be a good substitute for block?

The meanings of obstruct and block largely overlap; however, obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way.

the view was obstructed by billboards

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of block

Noun

This is a vibrant renewal of one of the most special blocks in Manhattan. —Erik Bottcher, New York Daily News, 8 Aug. 2025

Soto won the Power of Veto competition and removed himself from the block. —Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Verb

The battle over potential mid-decade redistricting in Texas -- where the state's congressional district lines could be redrawn well ahead of the upcoming census -- continued Monday as dozens of Texas House Democrats remained out of state for a second week to block any potential votes on the map. —Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2025

Unlike what happened with Black Sabbath 36 years ago, nothing blocked Manson’s performance at the Feria Nacional Potosina (FENAPO). —Natalia Cano, Billboard, 11 Aug. 2025

Phrases Containing block

• block (off)
• building block
• stumbling block