ROADBLOCK Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words

roadblock 1 of 2

noun

Definition of roadblock

as in obstacle

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Dissimilar Words

roadblock

2 of 2

verb

as in to barricade

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of roadblock

Noun

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 Christian Science teaches that believing in a personal power apart from God is a roadblock to spiritual progress. — Linda Berckmann, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Aug. 2026 Shaky data is often to blame; eight in ten companies cite data limitations as a roadblock to scaling agentic AI. — Jim Douglas, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 But one roadblock consumers may face is a lack of EVs in the dealership lot. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for roadblock

Recent Examples of Synonyms for roadblock

Noun

When children are experiencing poor educational outcomes, at what point does opposition to an alternative become an obstacle to giving families another opportunity?

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Kids today face tremendous obstacles, but perhaps because of the pandemic, many, like Keira, are well-rounded and involved in work, school, extracurricular activities and devoted to their friends and family.

— Nicole Russell, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Verb

Pizzini explained that because Carol spends so much of the story barricaded inside, the home was designed with an interior atrium to preserve natural light after the windows were shuttered.

— Deadline, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
Another barricaded herself into an interior office with two other people, pulling a heavy filing cabinet in front of the door.

— Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of barricade

Noun

Prosecutors will have to overcome a few key hurdles in their case.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
With so many advancements underway, the biggest hurdle may be the federal Nuclear Waste Policy Act, which essentially bars any permanent nuclear waste disposal licensing outside of Yucca Mountain, a project that is now, again, essentially defunct.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Verb

Conditions that are too cold might delay proofing or rising, resulting in a super-dense loaf.

— Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026
Cellphone use before bed delays the natural drop in cortisol that teenagers need to fall asleep, according to Alice Hoagland, PhD, director of the Insomnia Clinic at the Rochester Regional Sleep Disorder Center.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of delay

Noun

In listing their roster for the late-August window of World Cup qualifying, Greek’s federation made clear there were no NBA impediments.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026
Beyond those obvious impediments, Elkins was coming off a nasty stoppage loss in his previous fight against Julian Erosa at UFC 314 in April 2025.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of impediment

Verb

Iran’s proxies in the region, the Houthis, have since blockaded another strait – the Bab-al-Mandeb – challenging Saudi Arabia’s ability to export oil through that alternate route.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
During the early nineteen-eighties, when Paul Volcker, the chair of the Federal Reserve, raised interest rates to twenty per cent in the face of rampant inflation, furious farmers blockaded the Fed’s headquarters with their tractors.

— John Cassidy, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of blockade

Noun

Mike Evans returned from a week’s absence and showed no hindrance from a quadriceps strain.

— Cam Inman, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Many organizations mistakenly view governance as a hindrance, measuring AI maturity by deployment rather than critical questions about purpose, reliability, and accountability.

— Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of hindrance

Verb

Then, use the cotton balls to block areas where vermin may try to enter.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
The Kennedy Center's board is expected to meet Thursday to consider plans for the performing arts venue's future after a federal judge blocked an earlier move for a two-year closure that would allow for substantial renovations.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of block

Browse Nearby Words

road

roadblock

roadblocked

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Style

“Roadblock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roadblock. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of roadblock

noun

verb

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