as in siege
the cutting off of an area by military means to stop the flow of people or supplies
it was the blockade of all the enemy's major ports that finally won the war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to guard
to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point
the militant protestors blockaded the whole area around city hall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to besiege
to surround (as a fortified place) with armed forces for the purpose of capturing or preventing commerce and communication
blockaded the city until it surrendered
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 blockade
Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
Since the first phase of the ceasefire expired at the start of March with no agreement to prolong it, Israel has imposed a total blockade on all goods for Gaza's 2.3 million residents, recreating what international organisations call a humanitarian catastrophe.
—Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Mahmoud Issa, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024
If China blockades or invades Taiwan, the short-term economic disruptions to the United States and its allies would be large enough to rival the losses caused by a broad decoupling.
—Stephen G. Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for blockade
Noun
One of the most spectacular scuba spots is the Mary Celestia, a side-paddlewheel steamer that was a Confederate blockade runner before sinking in 1864.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
Since the first phase of the ceasefire expired at the start of March with no agreement to prolong it, Israel has imposed a total blockade on all goods for Gaza's 2.3 million residents, recreating what international organisations call a humanitarian catastrophe.
—Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Mahmoud Issa, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
If the People's Liberation Army Navy blockades Taiwan, the difficulty of providing Taipei with humanitarian assistance, let alone with weapons or soldiers, would range from painfully problematic to practically impossible.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024
If China blockades or invades Taiwan, the short-term economic disruptions to the United States and its allies would be large enough to rival the losses caused by a broad decoupling.
—Stephen G. Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for blockade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blockade
Noun
-
This brings me back to the siege of Jackson, which happens at the same time as Abby’s smug speechifying and Joel-torturing up at the lodge.—
Noel Murray,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
-
The next day, the FBI dug up the rear axle of that truck, which eventually led them to Timothy McVeigh, an extreme nationalist angered by the Waco siege two years earlier.—
Laurel Morales,
NPR,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Specifically, the Swiss Guard accompanies the pope to public appearances, guards Vatican City and protects the College of Cardinals during a conclave (the election of a new pope), according to The Holy See.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Wolves guard Mike Conley recently lauded his team’s ability to meet any challenge.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
And while politicians know that there are costs to besieging an independent central bank – financial markets may react negatively or inflation may flare up – short-term control of a powerful policy tool can prove irresistible.—
Ana Carolina Garriga,
The Conversation,
18 Apr. 2025
-
The attack prompted many Americans to vent their dislike of the nation’s for-profit health system, and made Mr. Mangione a visible foil for an administration that says radicals are besieging the nation.—
Hurubie Meko,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Korematsu was just 22 years old and working hard to expand his family’s flower nursery outside San Francisco when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941.—
Lauren Stienstra,
Time,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Every American should reject the president's and his cronies' illegitimate use of government power to attack his enemies.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Uber has said the driver gave them a different version of events, saying the driver claimed the two riders fought in the back of his car and assaulted him at the end of the trip.—
Annabella Rosciglione,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Warhorse bandmates drummer Tre Cool and bassist Mike Dirnt assaulted their instruments with their trademark goofiness and aggression, with three other touring members helping fill the massive venue with a legion of guitars and keys.—
Jeff Miller,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Blockade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blockade. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share