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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 blocks Achane and center Aaron Brewer as building blocks for the new regime. — Miami Herald, 19 May 2026 The goal is not finished meals but building blocks that move easily between lunches and dinners. — Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026 Every day, practice, period, rep, snap and second are building blocks to something bigger. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026 The strategies available are not competing answers so much as building blocks that can be sequenced thoughtfully. — Joshua Harmon, Forbes.com, 1 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 Such a meal should include a good source of protein, such as eggs, in order to stock up on or refuel depleted amino acids, including cysteine and methionine, which are building blocks for protective antioxidants. — Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026 Players like Buium, Tom Willander and Liam Öhgren may be building blocks, perhaps, but the reality is that this process is beginning without any surefire cornerstone pieces in place. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026 In the video, Bill Riley, a vice president of Starship engineering, cast endeavors like SpaceX's smaller Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, as well as its Dragon spacecraft that travels in orbit, as building blocks to the grander unveiling of Starship. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for building blocks
  1. members
  2. factors
  3. ingredients
  4. components
  5. elements
Noun
  • Voters have given the go-ahead to add four more members, which some fear could leave the board with one Black member out of nine.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • KiMi Robinson Ahead of an event that was speculated to be Swift and Kelce's rehearsal dinner at MSG on July 2, members of the couple's inner circle were mobilizing across New York City.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of members
Noun
  • Prices are subject to rapid, unpredictable changes due to factors like, but not limited to, supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical events.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Humans are exposed to many factors that can influence the development of cancer, including naturally occurring radiation.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026
Definition of factors
Noun
  • Simply prepare all of the ingredients one day before, fold over the enchiladas, and refrigerate.
    — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026
  • It's packed with efficacious skin care ingredients to smooth and firm mature complexions.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 6 July 2026
Definition of ingredients
Noun
  • To prevent moisture and body oils from breaking down the internal components (and keep stains and allergens at bay), investing in a quality mattress protector is one of the simplest and most effective ways to extend your mattress's lifespan.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026
  • Ukraine also struck a plant producing missile components in Russia’s Penza region southeast of Moscow, some 300 miles from Ukraine, Zelensky said.
    — Dasha Litvinova, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of components
Noun
  • The space is a balance between tropical escape and late-night lounge, with moody lighting, sexy design elements and music that keeps the energy elevated throughout the evening.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Authorities stopped letting people into the National Museum of African American History and Culture, with more than 1,000 sheltering outside the building and some exposed to the elements.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Definition of elements

Browse Nearby Words

building block
building blocks
buildings
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Cite this Entry

“Building blocks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/building%20blocks. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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