roadblock

noun

road·​block ˈrōd-ˌbläk How to pronounce roadblock (audio)
Synonyms of roadblocknext
1
a
: a barricade often with traps or mines for holding up an enemy at a point on a road covered by fire
b
: a road barricade set up especially by law enforcement officers
2
: an obstruction in a road
3
: something that blocks progress or prevents accomplishment of an objective
roadblock transitive verb

Examples of roadblock in a Sentence

That's the one roadblock to the plan. roadblocks on the path to success
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Friday's decision marks yet another roadblock in the administration's efforts to construct the ballroom, which has faced legal challenges since it was proposed in July 2025. — Nathan Lee, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 The project is also facing continuing roadblocks in the courts and the environmental approval process. — Connor Greene, Time, 6 Aug. 2026 Now, researchers at the Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan have developed a cheap, platinum-free catalyst that solves a major roadblock for high-energy lithium–oxygen batteries. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026 In 2024, the US paused all avocado imports from the state for more than a week after two US avocado inspectors were assaulted and detained at a police roadblock. — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for roadblock

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of roadblock was in 1913

Rhymes for roadblock

See All Rhymes for roadblock

Browse Nearby Words

roadbed
roadblock
roadbook
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Roadblock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roadblock. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

roadblock

noun
road·​block -ˌbläk How to pronounce roadblock (audio)
: a blocking of a road (as by police officers)

Legal Definition

roadblock

noun
road·​block
: a road barricade set up by law enforcement officers especially for the purpose of detecting criminal activity

More from Merriam-Webster on roadblock

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for roadblock

Nglish: Translation of roadblock for Spanish Speakers

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