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

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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 barriers 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 The legislation was included on the 2025 list of global trade barriers compiled annually by the Office of the US Trade Representative. — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 25 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 The United States on Monday formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move Secretary of State Marco Rubio said eliminates the final major barriers to investment and economic recovery in the country. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Removing barriers behind the lens That accessibility extends to the cost. — Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026 Discover the three invisible barriers that hold back high achievers and how to reframe each situation, with tips from negotiation expert Kwame Christian. — Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Some sports lower those barriers more effectively than others. — Lindsay Davenport, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 In May, businesses and organizations convened by the foundation called for governments to use policy to remove economic barriers to resale and repair while supporting infrastructure and investment for textile-to-textile recycling. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barriers
  1. fences
  2. walls
  3. barricades
  4. obstacles
Noun
  • Refillable water stations were provided at each of the two stages and lined the fences between.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In May, when fences went up on the fragile wetlands and bulldozers arrived on Sazan Island, residents of the nearby town of Zvërnec in the south of Albania protested, using one of the region’s beloved species as their symbol.
    — Naomi Tomky, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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