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Definition of blanknext
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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
Recent photos taken of the portion of the Kennedy Center still hidden by the tarp show the blank space where the sitting president’s name—which was added to the building in December of 2025—used to be. News Desk, Artforum, 26 June 2026 Floor-to-ceiling shelving can turn a blank wall into valuable storage, tall drapery panels can make even the most modest historic structure feel expansive, and oversized artwork can help the eye travel through a room in a way that feels immersive and intentional. Alyssa Longobucco, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2026
Noun
But the viewers who moaned about struggling to hear the opening-ceremony performance could have easily filled in the blanks. Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 11 June 2026 This subversive summer scent trend is also a natural offshoot of last year’s influx of fill-in-the-blank-savory-food-girl summer; 2025’s tomato perfume is 2026’s sea salt scent. Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 3 June 2026
Verb
City are among the teams who blank in Gameweek 31, meaning selling Haaland could align well with longer-term planning, but only if his injury is confirmed as serious. Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for blank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blank
Adjective
  • Vines have grown through the fence and barbed wire surrounding a tall art deco building in this city’s downtown, and cigarette holders and empty food tins litter the tall weeds.
    Susan Svrluga, Washington Post, 24 June 2026
  • Inside, there’s an empty dining room.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 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
  • My son-in-law feels blindsided, as my daughter is asking for a complete break.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • The vast Lake Tahoe estate of Beach Boys co-founder Mike Love, complete with a theater, wine tasting room, ice-skating rink and sauna, could be yours — for the small price of $43 million.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 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
  • Others shared in the catharsis, too — some resorting to jokes about the hectic postgame interviews Anthony Edwards and Ball furnished, some resorting to utter confusion.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026
  • The scene around me was one of utter bedlam, with stadium officials even joining in the celebrations.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blank. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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