blank
Adjective, Noun, Verb
UK/blæŋk/US/blæŋk/
As an adjective, 'blank' means empty or without any writing, marks, or expressions. As a noun, it can refer to a space left empty to be filled, or a cartridge containing gunpowder but no bullet. As a verb, 'to blank' can mean to ignore, erase, or leave out something intentionally (often phrased as 'blank out').
Example Sentences
He stared at the blank page, unsure how to start his essay.
The teacher handed out blank worksheets for the students to fill in with answers.
Her face was completely blank when she realized she had forgotten her lines.
We used a blank cartridge for the demonstration, so there was no actual bullet involved.
The form includes a blank space where you must write your full name.
His mind went blank during the exam, and he struggled to recall anything he had studied thoroughly the previous night.
She began the design project with a blank canvas on her computer, carefully layering text, images, and shapes to create the final layout.
He gave her a blank stare after the convoluted explanation, indicating his confusion and prompting her to clarify further.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Empty or void, lacking any writing, marks, or clear expression.Used primarily as an adjective or noun, “blank” can describe an empty surface, a vacant stare, or a missing piece of information. In everyday contexts, you might say, “I’m staring at a blank page,” indicating you’ve yet to write anything, or “His face went blank,” implying that his expression revealed nothing. In education, teachers give students worksheets with blank fields for answers. In technology, a 'blank document' is an untouched template, ready for input. You may see phrases like 'drawing a blank' to suggest forgetting or failing to recall something, emphasizing a mental void. If you’re speaking about physical items, a 'blank check' can literally mean a check with no monetary amount specified, or figuratively indicate boundless opportunity or permission. In more formal or technical settings, 'blank ammunition' refers to cartridges that create noise and flash but lack an actual projectile. When writing instructions for someone, you might say, 'Fill in the blank,' prompting them to provide missing details. “Blank” is a flexible term, so clarity comes from the context—whether referencing an open canvas for creativity, a vacant expression, or an unwritten portion needing input. As you use “blank,” consider the nuance: are you highlighting emptiness and possibility, or a lack of comprehension or data?
Alternatives
Depending on your context, synonyms for “blank” vary. If you want to convey emptiness in a casual setting, you could say 'empty,' 'vacant,' or 'void.' For a missing piece of data, 'unfilled' or 'unanswered' might fit better—particularly in forms or tests. 'Bare' highlights the stark, exposed quality of a space without adornment. 'Plain' is another option if you’re describing a surface lacking detail, though it leans more neutral than 'blank,' which can imply potential. In terms of expressions or reactions, 'expressionless' or 'impassive' can replace 'blank' to describe someone’s face revealing no emotion. If you’re talking about incomplete items in a puzzle or quiz, 'missing' or 'omitted' might be more precise. For creative works—like canvases or pages—terms like 'untouched' or 'unmarked' can capture the idea of infinite possibility. Be sure to pick a synonym matching your intended tone. Whether you need a gentle descriptor for a page just waiting to be filled or a more literal word for an object lacking content, these alternatives can help you fine-tune your message.
Writing
When writing about something 'blank,' begin by clarifying whether you mean a literal emptiness or a figurative one. For instance, if you’re discussing an unwritten page, consider spotlighting the anticipation or anxiety that often accompanies creative beginnings—such as 'facing the blank page can be both thrilling and intimidating.' If you’re describing a character’s blank expression, detail what it might reveal: shock, confusion, or simply an inability to process information. In instructional documents, use 'blank' to convey the need for input, like 'Fill in the blank fields with your personal details.' Provide clear directions so readers understand why the space is blank and what they should supply. When employing “blank” for emphasis, pair it with specifics. For instance, 'a blank wall with no decorations' conjures an image of starkness and potential. If you overuse it, however, the word can lose impact—especially when multiple items share this quality. Strive for balanced usage by interspersing synonyms or providing descriptive context that adds depth. Whether you’re penning a manual, an academic paper, or a short story, your command of 'blank' helps paint a scene of emptiness, potential, or withheld information—inviting the reader to step in with their imagination or understanding.
Casual Conversation
In day-to-day chatter, “blank” often describes a forgotten idea—like when someone says, 'I’m drawing a blank right now,' meaning they can’t recall what they were about to say. You might also text a friend, 'My mind just went blank!' to confess you’ve lost your train of thought. It’s a common word to explain moments of confusion or hesitation, as well as refer to actual empty surfaces: 'I have a blank spot on my wall where I want to hang a photo.' You’ll also hear it pop up when discussing forms or documents: 'Leave that space blank if it doesn’t apply to you,' or 'Make sure you don’t sign a blank check—fill in the amount first!' If you’re joking around, you can say things like, 'Wow, your face just went totally blank!' to tease someone who looks clueless or surprised. In casual contexts, 'blank' is a short, flexible term that communicates emptiness—whether that’s a literal missing piece, someone’s mood, or a momentary lapse in memory. It’s easy to drop into everyday conversations, instantly conveying the idea that something is missing or unfilled.
Etymology
The word 'blank' in English traces back through Middle English and Old French (blanc) to a Germanic root akin to 'white' or 'shining.' Originally, 'blank' referenced a bright, pale surface, which over time came to suggest a page or canvas with nothing written or drawn upon it. European languages with Germanic and Romance influences often used related words for luminous, bleached, or unmarked items. As literacy and paper usage grew, describing an unprinted or unmarked sheet as 'blank' became standard.Meanwhile, its meaning expanded figuratively. Medieval scribes might refer to 'blank pages' awaiting script, and eventually, 'blank' took on connotations of emptiness beyond just color, like vacant stares or unoccupied spaces. By the 18th and 19th centuries, 'blank' popped up in idioms linking it to absence or silence—terms like 'draw a blank' emerged, meaning fail to recall something. Today, 'blank' continues to convey emptiness or unused potential, whether in a writer’s new notebook, a mind that’s come up short, or an uncluttered realm waiting to be filled.
