OBSTACLE Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

obstacle

noun

ˈäb-sti-kəl

Definition of obstacle

as in hurdle

something that makes movement or progress difficult stumbling on all the obstacles along the path

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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 obstacle There were obstacles to women owning a home, having credit in their own name, and taking out loans, so Parton moved like perfume, wafting through the world of men while always doing things her own way. — Shima Oliaee, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 The research focuses on a major technical obstacle in fusion energy. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 There are matches to win, obstacles to overcome, and a new ally in the form of Zelda (assuming Rebecca’s wrong to be a little suspicious about her attention). — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 One of the biggest obstacles to many new power transmission projects is opposition from local communities and zoning authorities, a problem that can be bypassed if new grid lines stick close to existing infrastructure. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstacle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstacle

Noun

But Oxley, writing in a commentary, cautioned that there are logistical hurdles and said the value of Venezuela’s reserves may have been exaggerated under former President Hugo Chavez.

— Collin Binkley, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Secondly, insurance and safety inspections remain critical hurdles.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

In December 2019, the House impeached Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress stemming from his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate then-former Vice President Joe Biden while withholding military aid.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026
Her boyfriend, 18-year-old Royce Moser, has been charged with homicide and counts related to tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, obstruction and conspiracy.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

He’s particularly drawn to episodes that are discomforting for his countrymen—the Dreyfus Affair, and, a recent obsession, French accommodation in Nazi rule during the Occupation, a national embarrassment that was long passed over in silence.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Just the latest embarrassment from the worst president in any of our lifetimes.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Browse Nearby Words

obsoleteness

obstacle

obstacles

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

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Synonyms of obstacle

noun

Example Sentences

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