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
Relevance
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
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
-
Significant obstacles remain: insufficient private investment, market fragmentation across 27 member states, and regulatory complexity could undermine Europe's ambitions.—
Federico Guerrini,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
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
Noun
-
Data Sharing Without Risk Security and trust remain critical hurdles.—
Shekar Natarajan,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
-
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
-
Meanwhile, Michael was previously arrested in 2020 and charged with a misdemeanor offense of criminal obstruction of breathing and second-degree harassment.—
Christina Dugan Ramirez,
Fox News,
18 Mar. 2025
-
Man threatened, attacked latter carrier over several months The Justice Department became aware of Franklin's actions toward the carrier after the United States Postal Inspection Service received a complaint about Franklin possibly committing threats and obstruction against the employee.—
Krystal Nurse,
USA TODAY,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Around 2010 to 2011, as Woods walked knee-deep in the funk of public embarrassment, endless injuries and a broken swing, the door swung open to players desperate for space in major tournaments.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Maybe Thursday is the start of something, of a retreat from embarrassment.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumbling%20block. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share