STUMBLING BLOCK Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

stumbling block

noun

ˈstəm-bliŋ-

Definition of stumbling block

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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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 Macroeconomic challenges have been stumbling blocks that Hill has had to navigate. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for stumbling block

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumbling block

Noun

For most people in the United States, this probably won't be an obstacle.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
But the world was deprived of this Minimalist presentation of Little Richard when the project foundered at the end of the decade amid financial obstacles and the difficulties of coordinating its all-star cast.

— Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

One of the main hurdles in dealing with it is the question of authority.

— Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
In practical terms, this means disabled patrons should be able to buy a ticket as easily as anyone else, get into the venue without extra hurdles, move through the space unimpeded, and have a safe place to experience the show.

— Maribeth Romslo, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

Mahendra said the suspects would be charged under Article 258 of Indonesia’s new Criminal Code, which prohibits the unlawful interception, recording, diversion, alteration, obstruction or monitoring of nonpublic electronic communications.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
If convicted, Polite faces up to six months in prison for obstruction of mail and one year for delay or destruction of mail, prosecutors said.

— Richard Ramos, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

The latest embarrassment came Sunday, when Gang Green squandered a nine-point halftime lead in a 38-33 loss to the Raiders.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
What readers are saying The comments reflect a general skepticism towards polling, particularly among Republicans, who are perceived as reluctant to participate due to distrust and embarrassment about their political choices.

— Scott Clement, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

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stumbling block

stumbling blocks

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Style

“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumbling%20block. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of stumbling block

noun

Example Sentences

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