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
-
These financial hurdles can lead to the perception that technology adoption simply isn’t worth it.—
James Lindsey,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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Now that many of the technical hurdles have been cleared, stem cells appear poised to offer a new treatment option for Parkinson's, and perhaps other brain diseases like epilepsy or Alzheimer's.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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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
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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 22 Apr. 2025.
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