STUMBLING BLOCK Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

stumbling block

noun

ˈstəm-bliŋ-

Definition of stumbling block

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult the only stumbling block to our move across the country was finding someone to adopt our cats

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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 stumbling block 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 But the process has been riddled with stumbling blocks – including persistent fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, which threatened to derail US-Iran talks last week. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 Since then, the process has stretched to require four different levels of review, each with a list of procedural requirements that pose stumbling blocks for prisoners seeking help. — Christie Thompson, NPR, 17 June 2026 The talent was clearly there, but there was always a stumbling block. — ABC News, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stumbling block

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumbling block

Noun

Travelers leaving Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s other territory in North Africa, are subject to exit checks at ports and airports, an obstacle for migrants who enter the territories illegally and hope to reach the European continent.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
The design is meant to move around any obstacles, including the free weights collection near your pilates mat, meaning no more sweaty spots in your home gym.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

Russia's small and medium businesses already have been hit hard by tax increases, regulatory hurdles and, most recently, a fuel crisis from attacks on oil refineries.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Harper Hutton, 12, of Aurora Flyers, placed second in the girls pentathlon high jump, fourth in the pentathlon 80-meter hurdles and pentathlon long jump and fifth in the girls pentathlon shot put.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

Rachel Moser is charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering of evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse and obstruction.

— Michael Guise, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Some may also face charges for battery, obstruction and resisting a police officer.

— Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstruction

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stumbling

stumbling block

stumbling blocks

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“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumbling%20block. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of stumbling block

noun

Example Sentences

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