as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
without the encumbrance of a heavy backpack, I could sprint along the trail
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Recent Examples of encumbrance
The title reflects ongoing ownership, which may include various legal claims or encumbrances, while the deed is specific to the act of transferring ownership from one party to another.
—
True Tamplin, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
The narrative spun by Johnson and his allies was that the country’s natural exuberance had been stifled for half a century by bureaucrats in Brussels and that freed from these encumbrances, the union would flourish.
—Fintan O’Toole, Foreign Affairs, 5 July 2024
And despite insistences from Trump and his allies that having to attend the trial is an encumbrance designed to keep him off the campaign trail, the bodega visit was a good reminder that there’s still plenty of time in the week for Trump to campaign.
—Derek Hawkins, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024
In California, a clean title indicates a property with no liens, encumbrances or claims, ensuring the seller has clear and legal rights to sell without issue.
—Pat Kapowich, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for encumbrance
True Tamplin, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
The narrative spun by Johnson and his allies was that the country’s natural exuberance had been stifled for half a century by bureaucrats in Brussels and that freed from these encumbrances, the union would flourish.
—Fintan O’Toole, Foreign Affairs, 5 July 2024
And despite insistences from Trump and his allies that having to attend the trial is an encumbrance designed to keep him off the campaign trail, the bodega visit was a good reminder that there’s still plenty of time in the week for Trump to campaign.
—Derek Hawkins, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024
In California, a clean title indicates a property with no liens, encumbrances or claims, ensuring the seller has clear and legal rights to sell without issue.
—Pat Kapowich, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for encumbrance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encumbrance
Noun
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Many beneficiaries already face obstacles getting through to the Social Security’s phone lines to make an in-person appointment and then need to drive to a field office, said Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.—
Lorie Konish,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
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Your passion must propel you forward when obstacles arise.—
Jay Ruderman,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Join 80 others in the comments View Comments The documentation required by each state also varies, and ID seekers discussing the REAL ID process online have commented on hurdles for people who have had name changes or other inconsistencies in their documentation.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2025
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The documentation required by each state also varies, and ID seekers discussing the REAL ID process online have commented on hurdles for people who have had name changes or other inconsistencies in their documentation.—
CNN.com,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In November 2021, Burke was sentenced to 46 years in jail for assault and obstruction of justice.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
28 Mar. 2025
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Remember to check your outdoor AC units and remove leaves or any other obstructions that can cause blockages or safety hazards.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The term had the slightly kitschy flavor of other Cold War embarrassments—C.I.A. spy cats and Reds-under-the-bed paranoia.—
Nikhil Krishnan,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2025
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Court records show that CGV was keen to avoid embarrassment associated with the deal.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encumbrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encumbrance. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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