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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 At the bottom of the slope, dozens of protective barriers have been installed as a buffer from waves pounding the shoreline. — Michele Gile, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026 Agencies should use disaggregated, intersectional data to identify barriers, set measurable goals and report progress; broaden recruitment, improve onboarding, promote civil-service exams, and create clearer paths for professional growth. — Aldrin Rafael Bonilla, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026 Instead, the protective barrier was lined on the inner side of the cuticle and contained hyper-long hydrocarbons, much longer than those typically found on mature adult flies. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026 Polyglutamic acid helps attract and retain moisture, while a ceramide complex supports the skin barrier. — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barrier

Recent Examples of Synonyms for barrier

Noun

The organ woven into the walls of the church where Bach spent decades as cantor was built in 2000, but its tuning and temperament systems were designed to be faithful to the standards of his lifetime.

— Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
Handsink nearest kitchen entrance from seating area damaged and peeling off of wall.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of wall

Noun

Following Masias’ detainment, immigration agents who milled about the parking were nonresponsive to the protesters, who shouted at them through the locked fence surrounding the Moss building as Sacramento Fire Department personnel treated Masias.

— Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Surveillance video shown in court, taken from Hensel’s backyard, showed Hensel grilling when an ATV rode past his fence.

— Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of fence

Noun

In two separate but similar incidents, suspects also rammed vehicles into security barricades near the White House in March 2026 and October 2025.

— Bonny Chu , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Rioters looted stores and set fires to barricades in Frankfurt on Saturday as protests across Germany demanded lower living costs and better education.

— Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 1 Nov. 2026