Synonyms of stumbling block

stumbling block

noun

ˈstəm-bliŋ- 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• embarrassment
• barrier
• let
• interference
• burden
• inhibition
• block
• chain
• impediment
• stop
• hindrance
• handicap
• encumbrance
• load
• deterrent
• shackles
• brick wall
• constraint
• hitch
• balk
• cramp
• clog
• stone wall
• drag
• bar
• brake
• trammel
• delay
• crimp
• rub
• holdback
• manacle
• catch
• blockade
• danger
• fetter
• curb
• disadvantage
• arrest
• blockage
• restraint
• rein
• snag
• hazard
• embargo
• stoppage
• difficulty
• stall
• bit
• hardship
• drawback
• check
• reef
• peril
• hobble
• holdup
• adversity
• cumber

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentive
• stimulus
• impetus
• advantage
• catalyst
• spur
• edge
• benefit
• assistance
• break
• aid
• help
• stimulant
• goad
• boost
• handmaiden

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stumbling block

No fee will be required to sign these players, but wage demands can be a stumbling block. — Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

The main stumbling block involves getting the probe—essentially a large tank of Xenon gas and some solar panels for solar-electric propulsion, and a few small scientific payloads—moving fast enough. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026

This has been a stumbling block for other interstellar projects, such as the apparently defunct Breakthrough Starshot, which wanted to blast tiny sailcraft to Proxima Centauri — part of the Alpha Centauri system — using powerful lasers. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026

DeepMind’s journey This isn’t the first time Google has hit a stumbling block on its AI journey. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026