adv · noun · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
General-American:/(ˈ)kɑɹt ˈblɑn(t)ʃ/
General-American:kärt-blänsh
Received-Pronunciation:/(ˈ)kɑːt ˈblɑːnʃ/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
1
adv
Meaning 1
As an undifferentiated mass, without regard to distinctions; willy-nilly. (Possibly from confusion with another French phrase, en masse.)
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
Unlimited discretionary power to act; unrestricted authority.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: free hand, free rein, proxy in blank, blank check
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
A blank paper that is signed by some authority and given to a person to fill as they please.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
2001, Oliver Sacks, Uncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood, Alfred A. Knopf (2001), 15, Indeed, I later learned that when they had bought the place, in 1930, they had given my father's older sister Lina their checkbook, carte blanche, saying, "Do what you want, get what you want."
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: proxy in blank
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
A hand with no court cards.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: card-games, games
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
A chargecard issued by Diners Club International.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, historical, uncountable
Topics: banking, business
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
noun
Meaning 6
complete freedom or authority to act
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
