blackball 1 of 2

as in to dismiss
to reject by or as if by a vote he was disappointed to learn that he had been blackballed by the fraternity

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blackball

2 of 2

noun

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 blackball
Verb
Twelve years later, the Chicks would be blackballed for arguably less. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 20 Jan. 2025 Reiter said he was effectively blackballed in some Palm Beach circles as a result of going over Krischer’s head, and their relationship, once strong, would never be the same. Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 28 Nov. 2018
Noun
Supporters of the proposed law say letting landlords blackball people who qualify for federal vouchers is partly responsible for San Diego’s stark racial segregation, with minorities dominating southern areas and whites dominant in northern areas. David Garrick, sandiegouniontribune.com, 2 July 2018 Pay college players, blackball Colin Kaepernick, baseball is too slow. Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, 24 Apr. 2018 See All Example Sentences for blackball
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blackball
Verb
  • Stocks temporarily jumped on speculation of a possibly delay in the tariffs, but the White House later dismissed talk of a pause.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The Trump administration is investigating government lawyers who prosecuted Jan. 6 rioters — and will do the same for prosecutors who refused to dismiss corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams of New York.
    Michael S. Schmidt, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Before this recent trend of Congressional acquiescence, Republican President Ronald Reagan issued 78 vetoes in his eight years in office.
    David M. Drucker, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The General Assembly overrode Holcomb's veto later that year.
    Arika Herron, Axios, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Rick kills one of the security men, as Chelsea is shot in the chest.
    Colleen Kratofil, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Scottish sheep farmer and Whitfield’s right-hand man, Banner Creighton, experiences a change of heart in the final episode but is killed at the station after saving Jacob’s life.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But the question of tariff duration is another issue that is leading industries to weigh the pros and cons of changing supply chains.
    Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Newsweek spoke to veterinarians to understand the pros and cons of this decision.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • According to the researchers, the results speak to the complexity of our social interactions and could help inform interventions, not only against ostracism but against conflicts tied to narcissism as well.
    Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025
  • And dozens of people—including some bona-fide Communist Party members—accepted jail time and professional ostracism rather than name names.
    Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Kylie said Jason refused to let the name just be Finn and insisted on Finnley.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Read Next National Company refused to hire women as AL security officers, feds say.
    Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • King’s relentless advocacy and refusal to accept the status quo made the U.S. Open the first major tournament to offer equal prize money in 1973.
    Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • With his occasionally brusque manner, his maniacal secrecy about team selection and his refusal to explain his tactical decisions, Luis Enrique put a few noses out of joint in the French media.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The dismissal of Malone could prove to be a turning point for the Nuggets—either sparking a resurgence or further unraveling their season.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Those challenging the dismissals argued that OPM didn't have the authority to order firings.
    Christina Gatti, NPR, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blackball.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blackball. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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