Synonyms for barrier
- noun
- verb
Most common
obstacle hindrance impediment obstruction fence bulwark boundary
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
1. Obstacle
3. Boundary
Other
Verb
Definitions
- n. 1
A structure that bars passage.
The bus went through a railway barrier and was hit by a train.
- n. 2
An obstacle or impediment.
Even a small fee can be a barrier for some students.
- n. 3
A boundary or limit.
Few marathon runners break the three-hour time barrier.
- v. 1
To block or obstruct with a barrier.
Related words
Choose the right word
A barrier obstructs, but is not necessarily impassable. Barrier is used of objects more extensive than those to which bar is ordinarily applied.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- obstacle Bypassing this obstacle, you find your way again.
- obstruction Tom was charged with obstruction of justice.
- impediment Impatience is a definite impediment to success.
- hindrance Those new rules were more of a hindrance than a help.
- fence The house is screened from view with a high fence.
- bulwark Islam is a bulwark against gender ideology.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| barrier | steady | |
| obstacle | steady | |
| obstruction | steady | |
| impediment | steady | |
| hindrance | steady | |
| fence | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- bar1, dam1
- 4 letters
- stop1
- 5 letters
- block1, fence1
- 7 letters
- bulwark2, rampart2, parapet3
- 8 letters
- boundary3, obstacle3
- 9 letters
- partition3, barricade3, hindrance2
- 10 letters
- separation4, impediment4
- 11 letters
- obstruction3
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (bulwark2 = 2 syllables).