Blackball — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈblak-ˌbȯl/ black·ball

Meaning & Definition of Blackball

Blackball (verb)

  1. to vote against; especially, to exclude from membership by casting a negative vote
  2. to exclude socially, ostracize
  3. boycott

Blackball (noun)

  1. a small black ball for use as a negative vote in a ballot box
  2. an adverse vote especially against admitting someone to membership in an organization

Blackball (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to reject by or as if by a vote

    "he was disappointed to learn that he had been blackballed by the fraternity"

    similar: down, kill, negative, nix, shoot down, veto
    related: decline, disallow, disapprove, dismiss, refuse, blacklist
    opposite: confirm, ratify
    near: admit, allow, approve, assent (to), pass, sanction, elect, support

Blackball (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in veto

    similar: veto, con, denial, negation, refusal, nay, negative, no, non placet
    opposite: positive, yea, yes, pro, acceptance, approval, grace

  2. as in banishment, ostracism

    similar: banishment, ostracism, dismissal, kiss-off, rejection, brush-off, cold shoulder, rebuff, repulse, silent treatment, snub
    opposite: open arms, acceptance, embrace, welcome, glad hand, welcome mat

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Blackball

The most common words with a similar meaning to Blackball:

down, kill, negative, nix, shoot down, veto, con, denial, negation, refusal, nay, no, non placet, banishment, ostracism, dismissal, kiss-off, rejection, brush-off, cold shoulder, rebuff, repulse, silent treatment, snub

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Blackball

Words with the opposite meaning of Blackball:

confirm, ratify, positive, yea, yes, pro, acceptance, approval, grace, open arms, embrace, welcome, glad hand, welcome mat

Related Words for Blackball

decline, disallow, disapprove, dismiss, refuse, blacklist

Near Antonyms of Blackball

admit, allow, approve, assent (to), pass, sanction, elect, support

Word Forms of Blackball

Inflections: blackballed, blackballing, blackballs

Origin & Etymology of Blackball

First known use: 1550

Frequently Asked Questions about Blackball

What does "Blackball" mean?

"Blackball" means to vote against; especially, to exclude from membership by casting a negative vote. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to vote against; especially, to exclude from membership by casting a negative vote. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Blackball"?

Other words for "Blackball" include down, kill, negative, nix, shoot down, veto, con and denial. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Blackball" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Blackball"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Blackball". Common alternatives include down, kill, negative, nix, shoot down, veto, con, denial, negation and refusal.

What is the opposite of "Blackball"?

Antonyms of "Blackball" include confirm, ratify, positive, yea, yes, pro, acceptance and approval. Near antonyms include admit, allow, approve and assent (to).

How do you use "Blackball" in a sentence?

Examples of "Blackball" in a sentence: "he was disappointed to learn that he had been blackballed by the fraternity".

Is "Blackball" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Blackball" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Blackball"?

"Blackball" is pronounced /ˈblak-ˌbȯl/ and divided into syllables as black·ball.

What is the origin of the word "Blackball"?

First known use: 1550.