barriers

noun

plural of barrier
as in fences
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 barriers The data reaches only people who use cards and apps, and the hardest barriers are consent, privacy law and access to records held by companies rather than health agencies. — John Drake, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 The venue launched careers, broke genre barriers, and helped cement Austin’s identity as the Live Music Capital of the World. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 July 2026 For pets that just can’t stay away from your lap, barriers to keep them in the backseat can also be used. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026 From Denim Deal’s perspective, the partnership helps break down simple but persistent barriers for its members. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 July 2026 While time-consuming, physically removing the beetles or using barriers, such as mesh around your flowers, is the best way to protect your zinnias from Japanese beetles. — The Spruce, 21 July 2026 Those barriers were primarily designed to protect against gunfire, mortar and rocket attacks, and vehicle bombs detonated at a distance, not direct impacts from advanced weapons, according to a 2006 Army assessment of base infrastructure. — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 21 July 2026 Remove hazardous plants when possible, or use barriers, playpens, leashes or elevated plant stands to keep pets away. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 Just as Chinese researchers are breaking barriers, scientists in Germany also reached a milestone in the global sprint toward the next generation of clean energy. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barriers
  1. fences
  2. walls
  3. barricades
  4. obstacles
Noun
  • With Cincinnati clearly swinging for the fences after an active offseason in hopes of maximizing quarterback Joe Burrow’s prime, Pitcher could receive an even larger spotlight.
    — Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • The area along the Cumberland River where more than 100 people once lived is now encircled by fences and no-trespassing signs.
    — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 21 July 2026
Definition of fences
Noun
  • The walls, ceilings and kitchen are next, along with the windows.
    — Santul Nerkar, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Believing the Trojan Horse to be a peace offering, the officers drag the hollow figure inside the city walls and place it outside the Temple of Athena, which leads to Troy’s harrowing downfall hours later.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 19 July 2026
Definition of walls
Noun
  • Police used tear gas and batons after thousands of demonstrators on Monday tried to push through security barricades during their march to Parliament as lawmakers returned for the monsoon session.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Video from The Associated Press showed protesters gathering together to push over the tall yellow barricades and sometimes climbing atop them as droves of Delhi Police stood guard in riot gear.
    — Connor Greene, Time, 22 July 2026
Definition of barricades
Noun
  • The hero’s victory comes not from acquiring gold but from confronting inner obstacles and emerging with a deeper understanding of themselves.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
  • Lack of trust and resistance from locals remain one of the biggest obstacles to containing the outbreak, according to authorities and health workers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of obstacles

Browse Nearby Words

barrier reefs
barriers
barring
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Cite this Entry

“Barriers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barriers. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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