Blue-pencil — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈblü-ˈpen(t)-səl/ blue-pen·cil

Meaning & Definition of Blue-pencil

Blue-pencil (verb)

  1. to edit especially by shortening or deletion

Blue-pencil (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to show (something written) to be no longer valid by drawing a cross over or a line through it

    "military censors blue-penciled any remarks that could possibly be deemed critical"

    similar: cancel, cross (out), dele, delete, edit (out), elide, kill, scratch (out), strike (out), stroke (out), x (out)
    related: blot out, efface, eradicate, erase, expunge, obliterate, root (out), rub out, wipe out, bleep, blip, clip, cut, excise, remove, bowdlerize, censor, clean (up), expurgate, launder, redact, red-pencil, abbreviate, crop, shorten, black out, repress, silence, suppress

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Blue-pencil

The most common words with a similar meaning to Blue-pencil:

cancel, cross (out), dele, delete, edit (out), elide, kill, scratch (out), strike (out), stroke (out), x (out)

Related Words for Blue-pencil

blot out, efface, eradicate, erase, expunge, obliterate, root (out), rub out, wipe out, bleep, blip, clip, cut, excise, remove, bowdlerize, censor, clean (up), expurgate, launder, redact, red-pencil, abbreviate, crop, shorten, black out, repress, silence, suppress

Word Forms of Blue-pencil

Inflections: blue-penciled, blue-penciling, blue-pencils

Derived words: blue penciller (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Blue-pencil

First known use: 1883

Frequently Asked Questions about Blue-pencil

What does "Blue-pencil" mean?

"Blue-pencil" means to edit especially by shortening or deletion. As a verb, it is defined as: to edit especially by shortening or deletion.

What is another word for "Blue-pencil"?

Other words for "Blue-pencil" include cancel, cross (out), dele, delete, edit (out), elide, kill and scratch (out). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Blue-pencil" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Blue-pencil"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Blue-pencil". Common alternatives include cancel, cross (out), dele, delete, edit (out), elide, kill, scratch (out), strike (out) and stroke (out).

How do you use "Blue-pencil" in a sentence?

Examples of "Blue-pencil" in a sentence: "military censors blue-penciled any remarks that could possibly be deemed critical".

Is "Blue-pencil" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Blue-pencil" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Blue-pencil"?

"Blue-pencil" is pronounced /ˈblü-ˈpen(t)-səl/ and divided into syllables as blue-pen·cil.

What is the origin of the word "Blue-pencil"?

First known use: 1883.

What is another word for "Blue-pencil" meaning "to show (something written) to be no longer valid by drawing a cross over or a line through it"?

When "Blue-pencil" (verb) means to show (something written) to be no longer valid by drawing a cross over or a line through it, synonyms include cancel, cross (out), dele, delete, edit (out) and elide.