bloc
6 synonyms for bloc, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A group of countries, parties, or people united by shared political or economic goals.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use bloc
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
trading bloc
voting bloc
political bloc
Etymology
Borrowed from French bloc ("group, block"), ultimately from a Germanic word for a log or beam — a doublet of the English word block.
Full origin of bloc →Frequently asked questions
What does “bloc” mean?
The word “bloc” means a group of countries, parties, or people united by shared political or economic goals. In plain terms, a group (usually of countries or voters) acting together toward a shared goal.
How do you pronounce “bloc”?
“Bloc” is pronounced blok (/blɑk/ in IPA).
How do you use “bloc” in a sentence?
Here is “bloc” used in a sentence: “The trade bloc negotiated as a single unit.”
What part of speech is “bloc”?
“Bloc” is a noun.
Where does the word “bloc” come from?
The word “bloc” comes from French. Borrowed from French bloc ("group, block"), ultimately from a Germanic word for a log or beam — a doublet of the English word block.
Is “bloc” a common word?
“Bloc” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "bloc" and "block"?
"Bloc" and "block" are pronounced the same but spelled differently and mean different things: a "bloc" is a group of countries, parties, or people united by shared political or economic goals, while "block" refers to a solid piece of material, a city block, or the act of obstructing something. Mixing up the spellings is a common writing mistake.
What is an example of a political "bloc"?
A political bloc is a coalition of countries or parties that vote or act together toward shared goals, such as a regional trading bloc or a voting bloc within a legislature. The term emphasizes unity of purpose rather than physical or geographic closeness.
Is "bloc" only used in politics?
"Bloc" is most often used in political and economic contexts, such as trade blocs or voting blocs, but it can describe any group of people or entities united by a shared goal, even outside formal politics. The common thread is a shared interest that binds the group together.
