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

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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 How to Talk to Your Child About Tutoring One stumbling block parents may encounter in their journey towards better academic outcomes for their children is resistance or lack of interest. — Danielle Barreras, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2025 The capital has long been a stumbling block for the BJP electoral juggernaut, which has rolled across much of India over the past decade, with the party last holding power there in 1998. — Jay Ganglani, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025 Life’s journey is not perfect, so don’t be surprised when stumbling blocks show up. — Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Five years after the fast-fashion chain’s first Chapter 11 filing, the retail outposts remain a key stumbling block. — Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumbling block
  1. obstacle
  2. hurdle
  3. obstruction
  4. embarrassment
Noun
  • Take Calculated Risks; Start Lean Entrepreneurs should welcome uncertainty as a catalyst, not an obstacle.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • In Region 4 in Spokane, the biggest obstacle facing the No. 2 seed Huskies is No. 1 seed USC — which defeated UConn in Hartford in December.
    — Scott Phillips, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • Even those who successfully raise initial capital face formidable hurdles in securing follow-on funding, often under pressure to demonstrate rapid growth and immediate profitability—expectations fundamentally misaligned with the long-term nature of early-stage venture building.
    — Joseph Edgar, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The case will face significant hurdles, particularly because Gastineau and Favre are public figures whose interaction was recorded in front of a group of people.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • 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
  • Since the start of 2025, 26 drivers have been injured in traffic incidents in Missouri caused by foreign objects or obstructions in the road, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol data.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • But Couples has missed the cut in four of his last five starts at Augusta National, and the prospect of embarrassment does not sit well with him.
    — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
  • But their latest entry into this costly genre is yet another embarrassment in a string of them, and similarly destined to be forgotten.
    — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2025
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 27 Mar. 2025.

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