Definition of blanknext
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blank

2 of 3

noun

1
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

2

blank

3 of 3

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
There’s also previously unseen footage, including the stunt that started it all — Knoxville donning a Kevlar vest and shooting himself point blank in the chest. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026 Carvalho’s later Form 700s — for the entire period of his superintendency — are nearly blank. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Noun
Opportunities to fill in the blanks Our research has also found that researchers may have options to work around government failures to collect and report this more detailed data. Mark Axelrod, The Conversation, 30 June 2026 The remainder — 27 in the field of 45 candidates in 16 districts — gave themselves either a nonpartisan label or left the line blank. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
Verb
It's become common practice for creatives to blank out their social media presences before announcing a new project, but Bad Bunny is already in the midst of a global tour that extends through July. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026 Saturday, that blank on Mott’s resume would be filled if Chief Wallabee reaches the wire first in Gulfstream’s signature event, one of the nation’s most critical Kentucky Derby preps. Clark Spencer, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blank
Adjective
  • Rhaenyra’s first shock as queen is learning of her empty coffers.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • At least one tanker that has sat waiting empty for months near South Africa is already heading towards Hormuz.
    Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • In a show mostly devoid of explicit messages, the sentiment surprised me.
    Max Norman, New Yorker, 25 June 2026
  • Players take on the role of a Ditto capable of mimicking its human trainer, and the Pokémon is thrown into a world devoid of humans.
    Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Roupp fought to stay in the game and record the first complete game of his career, but at 104 pitches, Vitello went to his bullpen to seal the blowout win instead of pushing his starter.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • These days, a complete Wirkkala set can fetch upwards of $3,600.
    Jessica Salter, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • As the two form a close bond, Laila discovers there's some weird business going on within the house that threatens both of them.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • After several generations, those faster-growing cells produced more offspring and became increasingly common in the population, demonstrating a basic form of natural selection.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • He was used to being alone without Robin and postretirement but being alone in the interminable stretch of predawn hours was a different sort of emptiness.
    Danielle Parker, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • Work gives you somewhere to point your attention, somewhere to put the grief, the sadness, the emptiness.
    Alla Adam, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Swift will either ignore the noise as usual, or smile at the absurdity as a secure, proud childless cat lady.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Not only were the rules misapplied, according to an expert referee with years of elite experience, but similar plays during this tournament have been ignored.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Now, owners face rising costs and limited revenue, leading to over 57,000 vacant units.
    Shimon Shkury, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • When Vine Street Brewing opened in a long-vacant building in 2023, redevelopment in the district was still gaining momentum.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Questioning, if not rejecting, established Christian doctrine, Ahab also comes to regard Moby Dick as the outward and visible sign, the physical embodiment of the indifference or, worse, utter malignity inherent in the universe.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • But the nation’s summer has been an utter slog, lacking the identity and joy on the pitch that spectators have come to expect.
    Doha Madani, NBC news, 5 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blank. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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