BARRIER Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

barrier

noun

ˈber-ē-ər

Definition of barrier

as in wall

a physical object that blocks the way there was a big barrier plastered with signs saying "Keep Out" around the trash compactor

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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 barrier The laminate reinforces the glass to create a shatter-resistant barrier, preventing shards of glass from flying out during extreme weather. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Staffers wheeled the barriers over from the adjacent University of Washington baseball complex. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Despite some athletes reporting illness afterward, no clear link to the water was confirmed, and the century-long psychological barrier to bathing in the Seine was finally broken. — Camille Knight, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 How Apple Locks In Premium iPhone Users Multi-device iCloud storage integration and cross-hardware system dependencies function as an economic exit barrier against platform switching. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for barrier

Recent Examples of Synonyms for barrier

Noun

Originally more than 22,965 feet long, the ancient walls wind over the hillsides, offering stunning views of the Dalmatian countryside and the 4,000-year-old salt pans below.

— Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
On the walls, black-and-white printouts of newspaper articles, magazines and book pages looked like they were plucked from a Pinterest board on scrapbooking.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of wall

Noun

The first batter Barnes faced, Jonah Heim, deposited a 444-foot home run on the roof of the Dodgers’ clubhouse beyond the center-field fence.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
According to Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the park service, roughly 70 fence post tops were also thrown into the pool.

— Marco Gacina, NBC news, 2 July 2026

Definition of fence

Noun

But even Johnson is not immune to the bruising consequences of dealing with a president who critics say treats Congress as an obstacle, instead of an equal — frequently flexing his power through executive orders.

— Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Crews can drive directly into rivers or lakes without installing additional equipment, allowing the vehicle to continue moving even when water obstacles stand in the way.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026