hurdle 1 of 2

noun

ˈhər-dᵊl How to pronounce hurdle (audio)
Definition of hurdlenext
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult the many hurdles he had to overcome on the road to success

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hurdle

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to leap

Related Words
2
as in to overcome

Related Words

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 hurdle
Noun
Despite the market improvements in models over the past couple of years, translating those improvements into business advantages is still the major hurdle. — Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Still, Trump’s weak standing represents another hurdle for Republicans. — Steve Peoples, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
There hasn’t been much KP hasn’t been able to hurdle, and that showed in double-overtime wins over Canton in the second round and Pembroke in the quarterfinals, before dethroning defending state champion Medfield in the semifinals. — Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2026 These events, almost always streamed or televised, were suddenly hurdling toward obsolescence — one of many casualties inflicted by the transfer portal and NIL. — David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hurdle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurdle
  1. obstacle
  2. leap
  3. overcome
  4. barrier
  5. jump
  6. surmount
  7. skip
  8. best
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
  • The emotional incompatibility of self-care Applebaum said that even those who can overcome the practical obstacles often still struggle to take care of themselves.
    — Elissa Strauss, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Verb
  • Miami got off to a promising start, taking a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute when Casemiro, who lined up as a center back, leaped above Montreal defenders and scored on a header off a Telasco Segovia corner kick.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In the distance, a toddler in a matching Nike outfit literally leaped into the arms of a crying woman, perhaps a grandmother, squeezing tightly for a hug.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of leap
Verb
  • The Tar Heels’ ability to overcome some sloppiness — and, yes, take advantage of a slew of TCU mistakes — was a positive intangible sign after Belichick’s brutal debut season and offseason.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • But to overcome 30 years of Republican dominance, Talarico needs votes from everywhere.
    — Eleanor Dearman Updated August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of overcome
Noun
  • The two sides were also in touch on monitoring a barrier lake that risks flooding and imperiling rescue workers.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The lab behind the glass barrier is a laboratory automation installation, built around a conveyor system.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of barrier
Verb
  • The Sox jumped back ahead in the third inning on a Benintendi RBI single.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The burst and ability to create separation jumped out, as did his calm and composed finish, all at seemingly peak speed.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of jump
Verb
  • With flight sticking to LEO during Artemis III, communication limitations become a lot easier to surmount.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 21 July 2026
  • While wearables were already a hard enough curve to convince people on regarding constant data collection, embedding sensors and ways to collect data inside people’s homes will be an even higher threshold to surmount.
    — Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of surmount
Verb
  • The package skips any form of standard or optional kitchen unit but does include a full set of blackout blinds and ventilation grilles for the front windows meant to increase airflow and cut out condensation when sleeping inside.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • But after he was sidelined, Earl ran the offense without skipping a beat.
    — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of skip
Verb
  • Secretariat and American Pharoah have also been bested at the Spa.
    — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Santa Monica should reach 87 degrees, surpassing the daily record of 85 set in 2011; and Hawthorne is expected to hit 93 degrees, besting the record of 88 set in 2015.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of best

Browse Nearby Words

hunt (through)
hurdle
hurdled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hurdle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurdle. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hurdle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hurdle

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