Synonyms of stumbling blocks

stumbling blocks

noun

plural of stumbling block

as in obstacles

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

• obstacles
• hurdles
• obstructions
• barriers
• embarrassments
• lets
• interferences
• blocks
• impediments
• burdens
• cramps
• constraints
• loads
• chains
• shackles
• encumbrances
• handicaps
• inhibitions
• hindrances
• stops
• clogs
• brick walls
• manacles
• deterrents
• stone walls
• fetters
• trammels
• hitches
• bars
• balks
• brakes
• holdbacks
• crimps
• delays
• dangers
• disadvantages
• restraints
• snags
• rubs
• catches
• reins
• curbs
• hazards
• arrests
• drags
• blockades
• blockages
• difficulties
• stoppages
• embargoes
• stalls
• hardships
• perils
• drawbacks
• bits
• reefs
• checks
• hobbles
• holdups
• cumbers
• adversities

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stimuli
• incentives
• advantages
• catalysts
• stimulants
• spurs
• edges
• benefits
• breaks
• help
• impetuses
• goads
• aids
• boosts
• assistances
• handmaidens

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stumbling blocks

One of the stumbling blocks for those was the environmental-review process, which could take months or even years. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Macroeconomic challenges have been stumbling blocks that Hill has had to navigate. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

But the process has been riddled with stumbling blocks – including persistent fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, which threatened to derail US-Iran talks last week. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

Since then, the process has stretched to require four different levels of review, each with a list of procedural requirements that pose stumbling blocks for prisoners seeking help. — Christie Thompson, NPR, 17 June 2026

Irving's complicated journey with leadership has been well documented, from his controversial trade request from Cleveland to stumbling blocks in Boston and Brooklyn. — Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 7 Apr. 2026

The stumbling blocks to dialogue are immense. — Obi Anyadike, semafor.com, 23 Mar. 2026

However, one of the stumbling blocks on this pathway is borate, which is a family of common compounds found in seawater. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026

Cannon’s second and third languages become stumbling blocks for the reader, and visual shortcuts for emotional distance. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025