block 1 of 2

noun

ˈbläk How to pronounce block (audio)
Definition of blocknext
1
as in cluster
a number of things considered as a unit bought a block of stocks

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult constant bickering that is only a block to the completion of the project

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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4
as in side
a group of people acting together within a larger group a more conservative block within the political party

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5
as in confederacy
an association of persons, parties, or states for mutual assistance and protection a block of oil-producing nations

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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

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 block
Noun
Hough noted that the department was also staffing the Brady Street Festival on July 26, the same weekend two non-fatal shootings occurred on the 1300 and 1400 blocks of North Water Street. —Alison Dirr, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025 The spacious property located in the 300 block of Bryant Avenue in Alameda was sold on May 19, 2025. —Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 29 July 2025
Verb
While not legally binding, this practice has often allowed a single senator to effectively block a nomination. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025 De Moraes last year drew the ire of mega-billionaire Elon Musk, who at the time was a close ally over Trump, by blocking Musk's X social media platform nationwide in Brazil for failing to comply with orders banning some user accounts and to remove certain content. —Dan Mangan, CNBC, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for block
  1. cluster
  2. obstacle
  3. head
  4. side
  5. confederacy
  6. fill
  7. obstruct
  8. intercept
Noun
  • But the upshot of this is that the cluster of stars is like a stellar pantry to which the black hole occasionally goes to feast.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 July 2025
  • All three converge near 260, creating a clear cluster of supply that OIH must contend with.
    — Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 23 July 2025
Definition of cluster
Noun
  • This pattern of persecution, especially when combined with ongoing habitat loss, has likely contributed to low recruitment and remains a major obstacle to population recovery.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Extreme heat can also be an obstacle to exercising, spending time in nature, and socializing, all of which can make people feel good and also double as important coping mechanisms for emotional distress.
    — Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 26 July 2025
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • Now, Maineri heads into year 12 with 18 pitchers on his roster, hoping that rising junior Caleb Gilbert and sophomore-to-be Zach Hess will emerge at the top of the pitching rotation.
    — John Roach, NOLA.com, 19 July 2017
  • Cal Fire representatives said the current parking mess has already impacted them because the driveway to their station enters the highway not far from the trail head.
    — J. Harry Jones, Ramona Sentinel, 19 July 2017
Definition of head
Noun
  • Meanwhile, just a few miles away on the south and north sides, the fair market rents for a one-bedroom home are all below $1000.
    — Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
  • Where the negotiations with the Bengals stand Talks and tensions between Hamilton County and the Bengals have escalated as both sides have traded accusations of violating the Paycor Stadium lease.
    — Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
Definition of side
Noun
  • Americans are divided on that topic, with 55% saying historical figures that supported the confederacy and racial segregation should not be memorialized in a June 2024 survey by the Public Religion Research Institute.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Men were the representatives of their clans and nations in the Haudenosaunee council, which made decisions for the confederacy as a whole.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 21 Nov. 2024
Definition of confederacy
Verb
  • The Marquette University community installed President Kimo Ah Yun on April 29 in an inauguration filled with pomp, prayer and a dash of protest.
    — Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
  • The hot water faucet was turned all the way on and the tub filled with water that reached a temperature of at least 147.8 degrees due to an outdated water heater, according to a police investigation.
    — Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Definition of fill
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
Definition of obstruct
Verb
  • Big play alert: Safety Jordan Colbert intercepted Zach Wilson and returned it for a touchdown.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2025
  • His cross was intercepted with Darwin Nunez ready to pounce.
    — Andy Jones, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of intercept

Phrases Containing block

Browse Nearby Words

bloc
block
blockade
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Cite this Entry

“Block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/block. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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