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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of barriers
There are no barriers to entry in sports, nobody is priced out of participation.
—
Don Riddell, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
The absolute security that George felt about his own social position, plus some liberal impulse stirring within him, led him to want to take down the barriers that the Mardi Gras krewes—social organizations of immense prestige—had erected against Jews, at least on behalf of the Lemanns.
—Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026
Workers began clearing debris and mud at first light from a catchment area where material had overtopped concrete barriers along the northbound shoulder.
—Bay City News Service, Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2026
Some security guards, meanwhile, tried to steer folks away from the waste and blocked off some puddles with barriers.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026
This is partly due to the high costs and barriers to entry, such as the ability to skate.
—Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 21 Feb. 2026
Hennessy is clearly back, and is breaking new barriers every single day.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 2026
Six years ago in Chicago, after our chairman and CEO, Jamie Dimon, visited the North Lawndale Employment Network, JPMorganChase made a commitment to help break down barriers for those seeking a fresh start.
—Curtis Reed, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Prince Edward and the former Prince Andrew smiled for the camera while poking their heads through the stone barriers on the grounds outside Buckingham Palace.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Don Riddell, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
The absolute security that George felt about his own social position, plus some liberal impulse stirring within him, led him to want to take down the barriers that the Mardi Gras krewes—social organizations of immense prestige—had erected against Jews, at least on behalf of the Lemanns.
—Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026
Workers began clearing debris and mud at first light from a catchment area where material had overtopped concrete barriers along the northbound shoulder.
—Bay City News Service, Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2026
Some security guards, meanwhile, tried to steer folks away from the waste and blocked off some puddles with barriers.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026
This is partly due to the high costs and barriers to entry, such as the ability to skate.
—Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 21 Feb. 2026
Hennessy is clearly back, and is breaking new barriers every single day.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 2026
Six years ago in Chicago, after our chairman and CEO, Jamie Dimon, visited the North Lawndale Employment Network, JPMorganChase made a commitment to help break down barriers for those seeking a fresh start.
—Curtis Reed, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Prince Edward and the former Prince Andrew smiled for the camera while poking their heads through the stone barriers on the grounds outside Buckingham Palace.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barriers
Noun
-
The Royals are moving the fences 9 to 10 feet inward and one projection said that could result in 46 more home runs this season.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Other builders said fences add costs and aren’t enough, because workers have to get to the jobsite and ICE can wait outside to arrest workers or pick them up in traffic stops.—
Suzanne Gamboa,
NBC news,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Floral mosaic patterns abound on the walls; Dyson hair tools are at your fingertips.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Plants grow just one to two feet tall, with a weeping habit perfect for spilling out of containers and over rock walls, or planting as a dynamic groundcover.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Feb. 2026
-
As crews positioned orange barricades along the quiet Catalina Foothills road, volunteers moved through the neighborhood posting flyers about Guthrie’s disappearance near a small vigil outside the home.—
Stephanie Murray,
AZCentral.com,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Yards with narrow passages, tight corners, and many obstacles like trees, shrubs, or garden beds, or steep inclines make the use of a riding lawnmower, especially a traditional riding mower, more tedious than helpful.—
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Parents may go to great lengths to remove obstacles from their child’s path, unintentionally hindering the development of life skills1.—
Jazmin Towe,
Parents,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Barriers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barriers. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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