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 And as expectations continue to rise, the organizations that stand out will be the ones creating the fewest obstacles. — Rhodes Kriske, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 But economic mobility also depends on safe housing, timely paperwork, promised assistance arriving and enough savings to absorb the next $1,000 obstacle. — Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 By combining tactile feedback with information about its own movements, EmArm can adjust its posture, manipulate objects, and avoid obstacles in real time. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026 John Benjamin Hickey’s play-it-as-it-lays revival more frequently chooses to pretend that the obstacle isn’t there. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstacle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstacle

Noun

That's good news for home shoppers, but may not be enough to overcome the affordability hurdles keeping many prospective homebuyers out of the market.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
On Wednesday, the Republican House speaker acknowledged his party’s hurdles while stumping for congressional candidate Kevin Lincoln in Stockton in the Central Valley.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

The subpoenas concern possible obstruction of justice in the handling of cases before federal judges, the source said.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2026
Robertson said those concerns include obstruction of pedestrian and car traffic, collisions into infrastructure, and effects on pets and children.

— Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

Also, keep extra toilet paper visible, your hand soap full and some air freshener on the counter, so everyone can use the bathroom without embarrassment or disgust.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
The league is a farce and an embarrassment to our country, not thier country.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of obstacle

noun

Example Sentences

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