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
Cuts to Medicaid are a stumbling block for GOP moderates and conservatives alike, who represent districts that make ample use of the federal health care program.
—
Tobias Burns, The Hill, 27 Feb. 2025
The cost of Isak could prove a stumbling block (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Were Sesko or another long-term target available in the summer, things might have been different, but Arsenal did not feel there were attackers on the market who represented clear upgrades, so strengthened other areas.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Financial conflicts emerged as a potential stumbling block.
—Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2025
However, many teams attempting to connect on AI often run into a major stumbling block: confusion.
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
Tobias Burns, The Hill, 27 Feb. 2025
The cost of Isak could prove a stumbling block (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Were Sesko or another long-term target available in the summer, things might have been different, but Arsenal did not feel there were attackers on the market who represented clear upgrades, so strengthened other areas.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Financial conflicts emerged as a potential stumbling block.
—Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2025
However, many teams attempting to connect on AI often run into a major stumbling block: confusion.
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumbling block
Noun
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Many beneficiaries already face obstacles getting through to the Social Security’s phone lines to make an in-person appointment and then need to drive to a field office, said Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.—
Lorie Konish,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
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Your passion must propel you forward when obstacles arise.—
Jay Ruderman,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Join 80 others in the comments View Comments The documentation required by each state also varies, and ID seekers discussing the REAL ID process online have commented on hurdles for people who have had name changes or other inconsistencies in their documentation.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2025
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The documentation required by each state also varies, and ID seekers discussing the REAL ID process online have commented on hurdles for people who have had name changes or other inconsistencies in their documentation.—
CNN.com,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In November 2021, Burke was sentenced to 46 years in jail for assault and obstruction of justice.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
28 Mar. 2025
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Remember to check your outdoor AC units and remove leaves or any other obstructions that can cause blockages or safety hazards.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The term had the slightly kitschy flavor of other Cold War embarrassments—C.I.A. spy cats and Reds-under-the-bed paranoia.—
Nikhil Krishnan,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2025
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Court records show that CGV was keen to avoid embarrassment associated with the deal.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumbling%20block. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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