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 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 Look For Industry Expertise Deciding whether to build or buy agentic AI software can be a stumbling block. — Jay Bhatty, Forbes.com, 1 June 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 Missing out on Champions League qualification is unlikely to be a major stumbling block given that, in theory at least, Chelsea should be in a better position to challenge for silverware next season and more readily able to compete in Europe’s blue-chip competition longer term than Villa. — Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stumbling block

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumbling block

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

Definition of obstacle

Noun

To directly address these technical, safety, and regulatory hurdles, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the international energy technology firm Eni have established a new commercial engineering services company named RH3OVA.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
There are still some hurdles to get Trout to the game this year.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 July 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

He was charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence in connection with this case.

— Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Amber Moree, 21, was arrested on Tuesday and has been charged with accessory after the fact of murder, obstruction of justice and misprision, according to the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office.

— Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

Goalkeeper Matt Freese’s costly blunder in the 57th minute was an embarrassment that gifted the Belgians a third goal to all but seal the elimination loss.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Either way, the development is a public embarrassment for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, whose antagonistic, foot-dragging attitude in negotiations with his young core finally cost him dearly.

— Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of stumbling block

noun

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