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blank

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noun

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as in form
a piece of paper with information written or to be written on it handed him an employment blank to fill out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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blank

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective blank contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of blank are empty, vacant, vacuous, and void. While all these words mean "lacking contents which could or should be present," blank stresses the absence of any significant, relieving, or intelligible features on a surface.

a blank wall

When could empty be used to replace blank?

Although the words empty and blank have much in common, empty suggests a complete absence of contents.

an empty bucket

When can vacant be used instead of blank?

In some situations, the words vacant and blank are roughly equivalent. However, vacant suggests an absence of appropriate contents or occupants.

a vacant apartment

Where would vacuous be a reasonable alternative to blank?

The words vacuous and blank are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vacuous suggests the emptiness of a vacuum and especially the lack of intelligence or significance.

a vacuous facial expression

When would void be a good substitute for blank?

The meanings of void and blank largely overlap; however, void suggests absolute emptiness as far as the mind or senses can determine.

a statement void of meaning

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 blank
Adjective
Harvey is a stellar writer, placing words with delicate precision on the blank sky of the page; her sentences of dazzling beauty won her the 2024 Booker Prize. Barbara Ellis, The Denver Post, 3 Feb. 2025 This option is like a blank canvas; wear it solo for an understated look, or layer it under a blazer for a dressier move inspired by Graham. Clara McMahon, People.com, 2 Feb. 2025
Noun
Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, has maintained that the weapon was a prop gun and not a real firearm, as the rapper shot off blanks to defuse the situation. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 29 Jan. 2025 The prequel is meant to fill in the blanks of a towering figure within the franchise’s lore. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
Xavier Landrum ran for 181 yards and two touchdowns on five carries as Tech Boston blanked East Boston, 48-0. Jack Showstead ran for 125 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries as Natick (7-1) defeated Milton 31-21 in the Bay State Conference. Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 2 Nov. 2024 Sale struck out nine over seven innings as Atlanta blanked Colorado 3-0 at Truist Park. Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for blank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blank
Adjective
  • That’s enough to fill from almost empty to 80 percent in 18 minutes.
    Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The body part was dumped onto an empty schoolyard in northern Dublin around 10:30 a.m. Friday, according to Irish outlet Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTE).
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Delle, devoid for so long from its intrinsic need for social interaction might be filling in the gaps by talking to himself.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 14 Feb. 2023
  • The medication has hallucinogenic effects that alter the perception of sight and sound and cause users to feel devoid from pain and out of control of their surroundings.
    Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2023
Adjective
  • And the vibe is not complete without jazz or a nineties playlist.
    Akili King, Essence, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Of course, no good Mardi Gras party is complete without a parade.
    Megan duBois, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This form must be filed within nine months of the date of death unless an extension is granted (however, as previously mentioned, the estate may make the election up to five years after the death of the spouse if the sole purpose of filing is to make the election).
    Ashley Case, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Revisit an old hobby or find a new one For many, returning to a childhood hobby is more than a new form of entertainment but rather an escape from daily stressors.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year.
    Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Prison staff had ignored warning signs of his suicide, the lawsuit claims.
    Thomas C. Zambito, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Previous fires at the building, which has been vacant for several years, have been attributed to squatters.
    Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Second in line, if the public advocate's office was vacant, would the city comptroller, a role held by Brad Lander, who has already launched a bid to challenge Adams in this year's Democratic mayoral primary.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Since 2014, Ukraine has been subjected to a level of violence and criminality that reflects Russia’s utter contempt for the laws of armed conflict.
    The Editors, National Review, 20 Feb. 2025
  • United went on to end the 2021-22 campaign in utter turmoil, with players in revolt and Ralf Rangnick as interim manager, but still placed sixth.
    Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • But that estimate, the paper noted, did not include the myriad adjustments that tariffs would trigger: Consumers may substitute goods or cut demand; businesses may eat the cost or pass it on; other countries may retaliate; and global exchange and interest rates will adjust.
    Howard Schneider, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
  • However, his parents claim in court papers, Chase had shown no obvious depression and, while using TikTok, had searched for uplifting or more traditional teenage content.
    David Chiu, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blank. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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