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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
But in his hands, these forms were never neutral, blank, or abstract. Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 2026 Attendees were encouraged to pick up a pair of blank dog tags and choose a name from the wall to research, keeping the memories of those service members alive. Christa Swanson, CBS News, 24 May 2026
Noun
For me, the most important thing about a film is to give space, or to create blanks that the audience can fill in for themselves — not to force my ideas or a message onto the audience. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026 If the CC&Rs do not answer the question, the Davis-Stirling Act fills in the blanks. Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 8 May 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
  • In downtown, offices sit empty and countless retail storefronts are boarded up.
    Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
  • Russian MoD via Telegram A video on social media shows a Russian interceptor closing in on a white stork – until the bird executes a sharp roll maneuver, leaving the drone chasing empty space (h/t to Andrew Perpetua for spotting this one).
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • Just another unfunny piece of political propaganda devoid of any laughs whatsoever.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026
  • Her ex, Karl (Jake Johnson, impressively devoid of his signature gruff charm), wants to move their adorable daughter, Hazel (Nola Wallace), from New York to Boise with his new partner, Mallory (Jessy Hodges), a polished grown-up who makes the bohemian Paula feel like a mess.
    Judy Berman, Time, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • The unfussy style features a sleek silhouette, complete with a scoop neckline and a moderate-coverage bottom.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 24 May 2026
  • Alison Ortega threw a complete game with seven strikeouts in La Mirada’s 5-1 win over La Habra.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • Expectations were raised by their early-season form and there was a tangible sense of momentum after the win against Chelsea.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 27 May 2026
  • Such preparation will have to come in many forms.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • The Tuesday parking shortage and the Monday emptiness are not anomalies to correct.
    Chase Garbarino, Fortune, 15 May 2026
  • Lift up your eyes unto the hills, and behold all that delightful emptiness.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Their son still visits but ignores the family’s special days.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 26 May 2026
  • Stifel upgrades Booz Allen Hamilton to buy from hold Stifel said the stock too attractive to ignore.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • Indeed, former manager Roy Hodgson, who took interim charge at Bristol City towards the end of the season, recommended him for the vacant manager’s job at Ashton Gate.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • The vice president position has been vacant since Simeon Rosas departed in October.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • When the squad reported back to Kirkby five days after his death, the training complex was a scene of utter devastation.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • On their first two trips to the property, the enormity of the task at hand—and their utter naiveté in taking it on—sank in.
    Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 22 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blank. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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