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 worst outcome would be to lose the bureaucratic barrier and go on avoiding the drug anyway, only now without even a rule to blame. — Nitin Gogtay, STAT, 4 Sep. 2026 Natural and human-made barriers, from freeways and other infrastructure to traffic and development, further complicate their journey south and west. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026 McKinsey found that 60% of organizations said knowledge and training gaps, not technical limitations, are the primary barrier to responsible AI implementation. — Philip Brittan, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Her relentless advocacy to break down barriers that had held back women for decades was echoed by Nancy Pelosi in an interview with MSNOW. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barrier

Recent Examples of Synonyms for barrier

Noun

But as is often the case when a larger movement collides with sports, the athlete participation in a larger movement inspires those same players to push for change within their own walls.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
With two outs, Hernández tripled and the ball skipped past charging center fielder Dane Myers, who chased it to the wall.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of wall

Noun

The big rig collided with the three vehicles ahead, then continued through a fence west of Highway 99 before coming to rest partially blocking the southbound freeway and the 99 Frontage Road.

— Richard Ramos, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
So picking up Pete, rounding the bases, and then going back in the dugout and everything that unfolds while that’s happening is just as important as the play-by-play of that ball going over the fence.

— Will Sammon, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of fence

Noun

Thousands of fans, six deep along the barricades, waited for this LSU team, led by Kiffin, to walk the streets just outside of Tiger Stadium.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
So in 1995, the brothers launched a side hustle of their own, offering traffic safety—rental equipment, cones, barricades, and signs on the road, plus 24/7 emergency dispatch—all in one place.

— Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of barricade

Noun

The report released by the NBA’s investigators at the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz portrays Ballmer and the team as treating the league’s salary cap rules not as strict mandates, but as obstacles to be evaded, like traffic cones.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Around 32% of previous cohorts are now hiring or championing others for more senior roles, with 68% of alums citing access to decision makers is the single biggest obstacle to career progression.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026