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
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 barrier
The roadway work involves removing speed bumps near the southbound inspection booths and replacing temporary concrete barriers with permanent dividers, GSA said earlier January.
—
Paris Barraza, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
Still, that barrier to entry shouldn’t stop anyone from watching the upcoming season.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2026
Out of possession, the pair provide a vital protective barrier in front of the back three, as shown below by a map of their defensive interventions.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Free for all Removing barriers to access is important to Akinyemi.
—Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for barrier
Paris Barraza, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
Still, that barrier to entry shouldn’t stop anyone from watching the upcoming season.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2026
Out of possession, the pair provide a vital protective barrier in front of the back three, as shown below by a map of their defensive interventions.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Free for all Removing barriers to access is important to Akinyemi.
—Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for barrier
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barrier
Noun
-
Avoid bulky cabinetry, media units and islands—in addition to dark flooring and color blocked walls.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
15 Jan. 2026
-
MechStyle allows users to upload a 3D model or choose from presets such as vases or wall hooks.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This is easy if a structure like a fence is already in place to mark the property line.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
15 Jan. 2026
-
King was knocked off the motorcycle and tumbled into a wooden fence, CHP public affairs Officer Jasmine Lopez said.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Due to the barricade situation, additional agents were called to the scene, officials said.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Insisting that a barricade of battleships and roughly 15,000 armed troops at Venezuela’s border is a non-invasive police action is just another misdirection.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Throughout both films, Stern's Marv is subjected to some of the worst obstacles set up to protect Keven, including stepping on a nail barefoot, taking a hot iron to the face and bricks to the head, and surviving an electrocution.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Alignment is the key to overcoming obstacles.—
Karen Hinds,
Hartford Courant,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Barrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barrier. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
