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
  • Galarza said misconceptions about electric stoves are the largest obstacle to broader use.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Read More Roborock’s Saros 20 stands out for its ability to climb tall thresholds, avoid obstacles with impressive accuracy, and clean under low furniture thanks to its slim design.
    — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • This year, for example, Regan dropped an initiative that would have restricted hospital executives’ pay, in exchange for the California Hospital Association not imposing new administrative hurdles on unions pursuing political campaigns.
    — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • One of the biggest hurdles the state faces is communicating to the public the importance of these fires.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • He was sentenced to concurrent life terms in federal prison on six charges, nearly 12 years on a firearm conspiracy charge and 10 years on an obstruction of justice charge.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Where Montoya lived Montoya faces charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, possession of false immigration documents, use of false immigration documents and obstruction of agency proceedings.
    — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with Epstein has been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade and forced him to give up royal duties in 2019.
    — Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Mountbatten-Windsor's relationship with Epstein has been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade and forced him to give up royal duties in 2019.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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