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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
Cloudy white spots in the lens, possibly linked to genetics or diabetes, that block vision. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 Anthony Brown, 59, who works at an outpatient program and pantry down the block from Mette’s apartment, said Mette was a pillar of the neighborhood who offered grandmotherly support to everyone. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
If access is granted, security controls are in place to block the bad and protect the good. —Zeus Kerravala, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 Opposition parties, civil-society groups, ex-generals, and other citizens filed suit, asking the supreme court to block Bar’s dismissal. —Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 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
  • Using data from the Keck Observatory in Hawaii, Buzzo and her team tracked the movement of a dozen star clusters within FCC 224.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The layoffs have also upended other work done by NIOSH to respond to requests like health hazard evaluations, where workplaces can call on the agency for help investigating health issues on the job, like cancer clusters or fungal outbreaks.
    — Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of cluster
Noun
  • The Arches is designed for all-around off-roading, while the Cliffhanger is geared toward slow, technical obstacles.
    — Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • However, the obstacle avoidance technology included in the X10 Pro Omni has a 3D MatrixEye.
    — Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 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
  • The benefits on the network side are also a major reason for our investment in Capital One.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz,Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The picture on the left side of the frame was a painting of the two dogs, Barney and Buford.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 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
  • Wolves have filled humans with wonder throughout our history, and they have been featured in art and mythology for thousands of years.
    — Olivia Ferrari, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
  • His path has been long, filled with moments of uncertainty and sacrifice.
    — Okla Jones, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of fill
Verb
  • Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater 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.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Burroughs was fired from the department and charged with making a false police report, obstructing justice, breaking and entering a motor vehicle and possession of heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine.
    — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of obstruct
Verb
  • Walking to the front of the funeral parlor, I was intercepted by Donna, Bill and Mary Kay, children of Dan Whitters, my late father’s close friend who had married his cousin Betty.
    — David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Different types of systems are suited to intercepting various types of incoming threats, from slow-moving explosive drones to hypersonic missiles.
    — Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 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 2 May. 2025.

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