stumbling block

noun

ˈstəm-bliŋ- How to pronounce stumbling block (audio)
Definition of stumbling blocknext
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

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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 stumbling block 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 Given that the Touch Bar is no more, this stumbling block was never satisfactorily overcome. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 The alternative is asking the majority to accept the inconvenience of having gambling cordoned off from daily life in order to avoid putting a stumbling block in front of their neighbors. — Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumbling block
  1. obstacle
  2. hurdle
  3. obstruction
  4. embarrassment
Noun
  • The report released by the NBA’s investigators at the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz portrays Ballmer and the team as treating the league’s salary cap rules not as strict mandates, but as obstacles to be evaded, like traffic cones.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Around 32% of previous cohorts are now hiring or championing others for more senior roles, with 68% of alums citing access to decision makers is the single biggest obstacle to career progression.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • Earlier models relied on broad hydrological assumptions and missed practical engineering hurdles.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
  • At that moment Benson was tempted to use his vertical leap of more than 40 inches to simply glide over him like going over hurdles in a 110-meter race.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • Toliaferro is charged with malice murder, criminal trespass and obstruction in the death of 30-year-old Kenyon Jeffries, according to the district attorney's office.
    — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The driver of the vehicle, identified as Fred Guy Monaco of North Little Rock, was arrested on charges of first degree forgery, financial fraud, nonfinancial fraud and obstruction of government operations.
    — Dale Ellis, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • Just not being an embarrassment will go a long way for Giants fans.
    — Adam Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, a major reboot out of Canton as Hall of Fame reduces its voting body from 50 to 25 in wake of last year’s embarrassment when all-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick stunningly did not get in on first ballot.
    — Greg Cote September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of embarrassment

Browse Nearby Words

stumbling
stumbling block
stumbling blocks
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Cite this Entry

“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumbling%20block. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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