STUMBLING BLOCKS Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

stumbling blocks

noun

plural of stumbling block

as in obstacles

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 blocks 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 Irving's complicated journey with leadership has been well documented, from his controversial trade request from Cleveland to stumbling blocks in Boston and Brooklyn. — Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 7 Apr. 2026 The stumbling blocks to dialogue are immense. — Obi Anyadike, semafor.com, 23 Mar. 2026 However, one of the stumbling blocks on this pathway is borate, which is a family of common compounds found in seawater. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026 Cannon’s second and third languages become stumbling blocks for the reader, and visual shortcuts for emotional distance. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025 Overcoming Challenges Rickson’s journey wasn’t without its stumbling blocks. — K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025 One of the stumbling blocks—the principal stumbling block—to his doing more with Presley was the boy's manager, Bob Neal, who seemed infuriatingly unsusceptible to persuasion, promotion, or even recognition of his own (let alone his artist's) ever-increasing opportunities. — CBS News, 7 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumbling blocks

Noun

If the state case does go forward after the likely appeals are exhausted, there are obstacles that could get in the way of a potential trial.

— Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
If trading partners try to mount further obstacles to Chinese exports, Beijing could turn to tools of economic coercion, such as restricted access to refined critical minerals, to compel other countries to keep their markets open.

— Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstacles

Noun

Large projects consist of a spider’s web of deadlines, a mishmash of budgets, a cavalcade of different teams to organize and a litany of regulatory hurdles to clear.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
This can include an agility tunnel, adjustable jumping hurdles, pause box, a frisbee and a training whistle.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurdles

Noun

State justice officials also claimed that Menlo Park forced the developers to pay the city attorney’s legal bills in supporting the municipality’s obstructions against the project.

— George Avalos, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
The tip of a needle can also be helpful for clearing obstructions in the filter.

— Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2026

Definition of obstructions

Noun

The physical barriers – like walls and fencing – will be more prominent outside the park, according to current plans.

— Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Discover the three invisible barriers that hold back high achievers and how to reframe each situation, with tips from negotiation expert Kwame Christian.

— Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of barriers

Cite this Entry

Style

“Stumbling blocks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumbling%20blocks. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of stumbling blocks

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

august

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes