barriers

noun

plural of barrier
as in fences
a physical object that blocks the way there was a big barrier plastered with signs saying "Keep Out" around the trash compactor

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 barriers Long-standing problems and new barriers are combining to make a career in dietetics less appealing and less financially feasible, just as the nation is increasing its appetite for nutrition in health care. — Lauren Chan, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026 Both mainly reduced trade barriers and committed all three governments to avoid policies that inhibited commercial flows with one another. — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026 In this case, courts have considered other factors, such as low barriers to entry, Paramount contends. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 Instead, the real barriers are time, money, specialized technical skills and production coordination. — Coco Mao, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Michael Schnieder of Streets for All, a group that advocates for bike lanes, bus lanes and pedestrian safety measures, said the language would jeopardize street safety improvements, which include a push for bike lanes protected by barriers. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Just the beginning of the investigation Despite all the work that has been done so far, there are still many unanswered questions and barriers to overcome to solve the case. — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026 Structural inflation, fueled by government deficits, AI investments, low unemployment rates, growing trade barriers and energy disruptions, is reshaping the landscape for markets, according to Fidelity International. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 Ward said the proposal could also reduce regulatory barriers for homeowners with existing rooftop solar while expanding access to solar power for people who cannot install panels on their own homes. — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barriers
  1. fences
  2. walls
  3. barricades
  4. obstacles
Noun
  • Just as good fences make good neighbors, good contracts make good partners.
    — Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The creature, smaller than a house cat and uniquely round, appeared in social media users’ posts waddling across lawns, fences, and cables around the city.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fences
Noun
  • The walls are finished in shiplap, while wooden beams round out the space, giving it a subtly cottage-like appearance.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Families covered hospital walls with posters showing missing relatives, photographs and contact numbers in a desperate appeal for any clue that could bring them home.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of walls
Noun
  • Farmers blocked the highways leading into the city while demonstrators erected barricades throughout Cochabamba, occupied the central plaza, and halted transportation and commerce.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Officers pointed guns, sirens were sounded, and barricades went up at the gate entrance, KEYT reported.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of barricades
Noun
  • Bond yields Persistent inflation, tariffs and whipsawing gas prices are not the only obstacles complicating the task for the Fed.
    — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Harley has some internal and external obstacles to make that happen.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstacles

Browse Nearby Words

barrier reefs
barriers
barring
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Cite this Entry

“Barriers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barriers. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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