as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the only stumbling block to our move across the country was finding someone to adopt our cats
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Recent Examples of stumbling block
The company launched its eleventh Starship test rocket earlier this month following a string of stumbling blocks and explosions.
—
Samantha Subin, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had an equally impressive day, completing 25 of 34 passes for 261 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, but Dallas’ defense proved to be its stumbling block again.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Without proper infrastructure, even the most advanced technology can become a stumbling block rather than a solution.
—Theresa McDonnell, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
But what seems like a minor infraction many years ago could be a stumbling block.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
Samantha Subin, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had an equally impressive day, completing 25 of 34 passes for 261 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, but Dallas’ defense proved to be its stumbling block again.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Without proper infrastructure, even the most advanced technology can become a stumbling block rather than a solution.
—Theresa McDonnell, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
But what seems like a minor infraction many years ago could be a stumbling block.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumbling block
Noun
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In addition to the giant uncertainty of hemp’s future, there are some serious obstacles for the cannabis industry to get over.—
Will Yakowicz,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Leaders such as midfielder Andi Sullivan and goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, who consistently fielded questions about the off-field obstacles, are still key parts of the team’s leadership in 2026.—
Emily Olsen,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Data security presents another hurdle.—
Sahar Hashmi,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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Around the same time as the actions aimed at the five states, the administration put up hurdles to Minnesota for even more federal dollars.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The cameraman appears to be another motorist making his or her way over to get around the obstruction.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026
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Amanda Milsap, 45, was arrested on charges of bribery and obstruction of justice.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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It is designed for conformity, internal cohesion, and minimizing embarrassment.—
Frank Lavin,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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Their very existence is an embarrassment to all Americans, as well as the Native community.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumbling%20block. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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