stumbling block

noun

stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- How to pronounce stumbling block (audio)
Synonyms of stumbling blocknext
1
: an obstacle to progress
2
: an impediment to belief or understanding : perplexity

Synonyms of stumbling block

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Examples of stumbling block in a Sentence

Lack of funds is a major stumbling block to the project. My plans hit a stumbling block.
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.
Given that the Touch Bar is no more, this stumbling block was never satisfactorily overcome. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Some believe that amending the bill to include Iran, which has been embroiled in a war with the United States since February, could add a stumbling block to the bill’s path forward to a vote in the House of Representatives. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 The alternative is asking the majority to accept the inconvenience of having gambling cordoned off from daily life in order to avoid putting a stumbling block in front of their neighbors. — Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 17 July 2026 For many years, the World Cup had proved to be Egypt’s stumbling block, but the hoodoo is finally over. — Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stumbling block

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stumbling block was in 1588

Rhymes for stumbling block

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Browse Nearby Words

stumble out of bed
stumbling block
stumblingly
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Cite this Entry

“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumbling%20block. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stumbling block

noun
stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- How to pronounce stumbling block (audio)
1
: an obstacle to belief or understanding
2
: an obstacle to progress
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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