blight 1 of 2

noun

ˈblīt How to pronounce blight (audio)
Definition of blightnext
as in defect
something that spoils the appearance or completeness of a thing the expanding urban sprawl is a blight on the countryside

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

blight

2 of 2

verb

as in to damage

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 blight
Noun
Harris said because of the downtown blight, the city wants to get into the habit of maintaining and beautifying its important corridor. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 Other times, diseases like blight – which is particularly common during spells of cool, damp weather – can destroy peony blooms. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 31 July 2026
Verb
Meanwhile, two- to four-unit rental buildings that made up the preponderance of affordable housing for families in these areas have been lost to blight and disinvestment. — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 The euphoria of scoring three goals in each half was somewhat blighted by the horrific injury to Koné. — Mark Hodge, NBC news, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for blight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blight
  1. defect
  2. damage
  3. blotch
  4. ruin
  5. scar
  6. harm
  7. mark
  8. flaw
Noun
  • The leaves might still be green, and the branches still there, but a huge structural defect may be hidden to property owners who don’t know what to look for.
    — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Even though Vaughn's initial plea was not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, and a mental status exam was ordered, no pretrial tests were done.
    — Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of defect
Verb
  • Maiquetía International airport, outside Caracas, was damaged from twin earthquakes on June 24 that devastated the country.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The flooding inundated areas along the Trishuli River, burying some buildings and damaging bridges and roadways.
    — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of damage
Noun
  • Crews are also using steam to remove blotches of chewing gum, which have turned black over time.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The next morning, a galaxy of itchy red bumps and blotches stretched from my shoulder to my hip.
    — Ben Crair, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
Definition of blotch
Verb
  • But if clouds ruin your view — or the moon is below the horizon at the time of the eclipse — there's no need to fret!
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The news of the relationship almost ruined the church, which quickly began hemorrhaging members.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of ruin
Noun
  • Burn scars on the landscape from previous wildfires can also rapidly funnel water into dangerous downslope torrents.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Without vegetation, a barren burn scar allows runoff to flow more quickly.
    — Jamie Stengle, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of scar
Verb
  • Blot those with rubbing alcohol or acetone once determining this won’t harm the fabric.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Newsom’s proposal called for preventing compensation for people who were not present or harmed in a fire’s perimeter and also placing limits on others who feared for their safety.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of harm
Noun
  • The same poll found that approval of the war on Iran, which is nearing its six-month mark, fell to its lowest level since the conflict's early days.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The sight of Matt Crooks and Nobel Mendy teaming up on Bruno Fernandes just after the half-hour mark epitomised their hunger and desire.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of mark
Verb
  • On the other hand, critics are, well, criticizing the decision, calling the process rushed and flawed.
    — Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • This latest issue adds to a growing list of irregularities, including inaccurate online estimates, missing plan options, and flawed spousal loan calculations.
    — Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of flaw

Browse Nearby Words

blew up
blight
blighted
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Cite this Entry

“Blight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blight. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on blight

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about blight

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