fill in the blank

plural fill in the blanks · alternative fill in the blanks

1. A language exercise in which one or more words are replaced with a blank line and the reader is tasked with supplying a valid replacement.

   The test consisted of fill-in-the-blank sentences.

   1 more example

   The emphasis on doing the Bible study portion. This is not a fill in the blank with a simple answer from the Bible that “says” what we are looking for.

   2009, Randy Huddleston, Getting to Know God, page 43

   Synonyms: gap fill

2. figurativelyidiomaticA placeholder allowing for any of a variety of possible answers or a single elicited answer.

   It was important that she make something memorable. She wanted to be complimented. She wanted people to go home after the party and say, “Wasn't Dorothy's — fill in the blank — amazing?"

   2011, Debra Ginsberg, The Neighbors Are Watching: A Novel, page 55

present singular third person fills in the blank · participle present filling in the blank · participle past filled in the blank · past filled in the blank · alternative fill in the blanks

1. literallyTo complete a single fill in the blank question.

   Synonyms: gapfill

2. figurativelyidiomaticTo complete an interruption, ambiguity, or vagueness in understanding, perception, or context.

   The Zionists intended to shape the perceptions of a global public with limited interest in or understanding of the issues, filling in the blanks with their own narrative.

   2010, George Friedman, Flotillas and the Wars of Public Opinion