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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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 No fee will be required to sign these players, but wage demands can be a stumbling block. — Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 The main stumbling block involves getting the probe—essentially a large tank of Xenon gas and some solar panels for solar-electric propulsion, and a few small scientific payloads—moving fast enough. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026 This has been a stumbling block for other interstellar projects, such as the apparently defunct Breakthrough Starshot, which wanted to blast tiny sailcraft to Proxima Centauri — part of the Alpha Centauri system — using powerful lasers. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 DeepMind’s journey This isn’t the first time Google has hit a stumbling block on its AI journey. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stumbling block

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumbling block

Noun

Icy weather, snowstorms, obstructive foliage and rugged terrain along the wild Rockies were just some of the obstacles Ben Nickell and Anne Koski faced on a 10-year journey to climb the highest point in each of Idaho’s 44 counties.

— Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 20 Oct. 2026
Long before launch, the team faced obstacles that nearly thwarted the endeavor — chiefly, two rejections from NASA — before finally securing the green light for the $1 billion project under the New Frontiers Program in 2011.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

That's good news for home shoppers, but may not be enough to overcome the affordability hurdles keeping many prospective homebuyers out of the market.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
On Wednesday, the Republican House speaker acknowledged his party’s hurdles while stumping for congressional candidate Kevin Lincoln in Stockton in the Central Valley.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

The subpoenas concern possible obstruction of justice in the handling of cases before federal judges, the source said.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2026
Robertson said those concerns include obstruction of pedestrian and car traffic, collisions into infrastructure, and effects on pets and children.

— Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

Also, keep extra toilet paper visible, your hand soap full and some air freshener on the counter, so everyone can use the bathroom without embarrassment or disgust.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
The league is a farce and an embarrassment to our country, not thier country.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

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stumbling block

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Style

“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumbling%20block. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stumbling block

noun

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