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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Recent Examples of stumbling block
The company launched its eleventh Starship test rocket earlier this month following a string of stumbling blocks and explosions.
—
Samantha Subin, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had an equally impressive day, completing 25 of 34 passes for 261 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, but Dallas’ defense proved to be its stumbling block again.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Without proper infrastructure, even the most advanced technology can become a stumbling block rather than a solution.
—Theresa McDonnell, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
But what seems like a minor infraction many years ago could be a stumbling block.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
Samantha Subin, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had an equally impressive day, completing 25 of 34 passes for 261 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, but Dallas’ defense proved to be its stumbling block again.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Without proper infrastructure, even the most advanced technology can become a stumbling block rather than a solution.
—Theresa McDonnell, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
But what seems like a minor infraction many years ago could be a stumbling block.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumbling block
Noun
-
Why cruise lines conduct safety drills Safety drills, also called muster drills, are not the brainchild of a sadistic cruise ship officer, trying to place obstacles between cruise guests and their sunbathing and cocktails.—
Erica Silverstein,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2026
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University officials tried to reassure the campus that the impacts of the new policy would be minimal, affecting only a small portion of the classes being offered and that class cancellations wouldn’t create any obstacles preventing students from staying on course to graduate.—
Juan A. Lozano,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The first major hurdle was genetics and to solve it, the research team built a dedicated breeding base in Lueyang county in Shaanxi, where Northwest A&F University is based.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Jan. 2026
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Because they are considered low-impact, Type II actions are exempt from the full SEQRA environmental review process, which saves time and reduces bureaucratic hurdles.—
Carlina Rivera,
New York Daily News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Renee Good’s killing raised the profile of the resistance, as well as questions about the lines between observation and obstruction.—
Eric Roper,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
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Howard County Circuit Court Judge Stephanie Porter also found Zeah guilty on one of two obstruction of justice charges, but didn't convict on the other.—
Dennis Valera,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Panic, self-doubt, and embarrassment set in.—
Meg Walters,
Glamour,
29 Jan. 2026
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The latter, of course, gives better info, and the former gives fleeting metaphors and nearly faints from embarrassment.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumbling%20block. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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