barrier
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for barrier, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A physical structure that blocks passage or access.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use barrier
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
language barrier
break down barriers
a barrier to entry
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman barrere, ultimately from barre ("bar").
Full origin of barrier →Frequently asked questions
What does “barrier” mean?
The word “barrier” means a physical structure that blocks passage or access. In plain terms, anything — physical or abstract — that blocks passage or progress.
How do you pronounce “barrier”?
“Barrier” is pronounced BA-ree-uh (/ˈbæɹi.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “barrier” in a sentence?
Here is “barrier” used in a sentence: “A metal barrier separated the crowd from the runway.”
What part of speech is “barrier”?
“Barrier” is a noun.
Where does the word “barrier” come from?
The word “barrier” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman barrere, ultimately from barre ("bar").
Is “barrier” a common word?
“Barrier” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “barrier” have?
“Barrier” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a physical structure that blocks passage or access.
What is the difference between a "barrier" and a "fence"?
A fence is a specific structure, usually of wood, wire, or metal, that marks a boundary, while a barrier is any object or obstacle that blocks passage or access. A fence is one kind of barrier, but a barrier can also be a wall, gate, or even something invisible.
What is the difference between a "barrier" and an "obstacle"?
Both hinder progress, but a barrier often blocks completely and can be physical or figurative, while an obstacle is something in the way that must be got around or overcome. A "language barrier" fully blocks understanding; an obstacle is more like a hurdle to clear.
What are common phrases with "barrier"?
Common collocations include "language barrier," "crash barrier," "sound barrier," "trade barrier," and "barrier to entry." A "barrier to entry" is something that makes it hard to start in a market or field.
