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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
The park on the first block would feature various terraces, a boulder crawl, a plaza area, a picnic area, a nature play area, swings and other features. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Herald Square is loud, yet our room held a stillness that felt almost improbable one block from Macy's. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
For now, key parts of that plan are blocked by a temporary restraining order from a federal judge in Boston. — Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026 Montour Road was blocked to traffic for more than four hours following the accident. — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026 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
  • Zero Rassvets have reached 500 miles, and none of the second group have climbed above 300 miles, whereas much of the first cluster seems to have settled into stable orbits.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Rattlesnake warnings popping up across Texas The cluster of warnings comes as other communities around Texas are also urging residents to watch for rattlesnakes.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of cluster
Noun
  • Both benefit from improved navigation, apparently able to avoid cables and other obstacles as small as 2mm in size, as well as transparent objects like mirrors or glass.
    — Dominic Preston, The Verge, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The 340-pound ball is just soft enough to bounce lightly over bumpy obstacles, but its slight overpressure keeps it relatively firm.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • The Los Angeles Police Department released a video that shows officers at the Valley jail manhandle an uncooperative inmate who died after he was left handcuffed with a bag over his head while laying prone on the bunk in his cell.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Canadian singer caused a commotion with her ensemble, showing off a head-to-toe Alaïa ensemble from the upcoming Archetypes spring 2027 collection.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of head
Noun
  • Some China watchers, however, are keeping their expectations low, as both sides appear to be more interested in avoiding moves that would risk their current trade truce.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • This bra uses flexible jelly support for shaping and providing a natural-looking boost, while higher side bands offer more coverage around the underarms and back.
    — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of side
Noun
  • July 4 birthed independence but also a dysfunctional confederacy.
    — Max Taves, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
  • The headstone, a memorial to texans who served the confederacy, was erected in 1964, which is to say the state missed the hundred-year anniversary of the battle itself but did remember to put it up in the year that Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act.
    — Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Definition of confederacy
Verb
  • Similar to the Army, SAE was filled with young men from all walks of life; every economic background, faith, and ethnicity were represented.
    — Todd Buchanan, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Their vehicles are packed with animal triage kits filled with supplies to treat injuries and wounds.
    — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fill
Verb
  • Unlike existing luxury setups, the doors open in unison to reveal a completely open cabin space without a central B-pillar obstructing entry.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The man is being charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, obstructing a peace officer and assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, according to Windsor Police.
    — Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstruct
Verb
  • Defense played a big part in the victory for the Hawks by intercepting three passes.
    — Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Iran hit an oil tanker off Qatar’s coast and fired missiles and drones at Jordan, which were intercepted.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
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 4 Sep. 2026.

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