BLOCK Synonyms: 240 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

block 1 of 2

noun

ˈbläk

Definition of block next

as in cluster

a number of things considered as a unit bought a block of stocks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult constant bickering that is only a block to the completion of the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 hotel is a few short, walkable blocks from Avenida Paulista, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, bustling with pedestrians, a botanical garden, and many shops and restaurants. —

Dalya Benor, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2024 Still, after all that time, James is capable of making winning plays — the chase down block, the key defensive stop and the bully-ball dagger all playing a role in helping the Lakers defeat the Kings 113-100. —

Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024

Verb

When Porzingis blocked a Jokic shot with 1:19 to go to force a shot clock violation, White then missed a 3-pointer. —

Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2024 The altercation, which involved multiple players, marred an otherwise great contest, in which Oakland blocked a field goal to preserve a 13-12 win. —

Tyler Palmateer, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for block

Recent Examples of Synonyms for block

Noun

Unnerved residents have frequently reported seeing drones hovering overhead, sometimes traveling in clusters.

Zoe Sottile, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
The Lowcountry, stretching along the Palmetto State’s coastline, hosts an abundant population of wild oysters, which grow in clusters along coastal waterways and marshlines.

Jennifer Hope Choi, Bon Appétit, 13 Dec. 2024