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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Crews can drive directly into rivers or lakes without installing additional equipment, allowing the vehicle to continue moving even when water obstacles stand in the way. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026 Remember, your perspective shapes your reality—choose to see opportunities over obstacles. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 But even Johnson is not immune to the bruising consequences of dealing with a president who critics say treats Congress as an obstacle, instead of an equal — frequently flexing his power through executive orders. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026 Throwing a multi-day wedding celebration at Madison Square Garden definitely isn’t cheap, but for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, cost is no obstacle. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstacle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstacle

Noun

To directly address these technical, safety, and regulatory hurdles, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the international energy technology firm Eni have established a new commercial engineering services company named RH3OVA.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
There are still some hurdles to get Trout to the game this year.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 July 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

He was charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence in connection with this case.

— Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Amber Moree, 21, was arrested on Tuesday and has been charged with accessory after the fact of murder, obstruction of justice and misprision, according to the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office.

— Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

Goalkeeper Matt Freese’s costly blunder in the 57th minute was an embarrassment that gifted the Belgians a third goal to all but seal the elimination loss.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Either way, the development is a public embarrassment for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, whose antagonistic, foot-dragging attitude in negotiations with his young core finally cost him dearly.

— Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

The laminate reinforces the glass to create a shatter-resistant barrier, preventing shards of glass from flying out during extreme weather.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Staffers wheeled the barriers over from the adjacent University of Washington baseball complex.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of barrier

Browse Nearby Words

obsoleteness

obstacle

obstacles

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Style

“Obstacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstacle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of obstacle

noun

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