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

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