as in hurdle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
stumbling on all the obstacles along the path
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Recent Examples of obstacle
The difficulties of making an album with limited studio time are no longer an obstacle that needs to be cleared, and, obviously, there’s an ease that comes with not having to worry about your collective survival outside of music.
—
Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025
The idea – last done in Hawaii in 1941 after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor – highlights how the Trump administration is determined to push through any legal or constitutional obstacle to its deportation plans.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 26 May 2025
One obstacle to deciphering khipus is a lack of firm dates for them; knowing which ones were made prior to the Spanish conquest is especially important.
—Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025
Slowing down will make tackling obstacles both easier and safer, while giving you time to enjoy the experience.
—Wes Siler, Outside Online, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025
The idea – last done in Hawaii in 1941 after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor – highlights how the Trump administration is determined to push through any legal or constitutional obstacle to its deportation plans.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 26 May 2025
One obstacle to deciphering khipus is a lack of firm dates for them; knowing which ones were made prior to the Spanish conquest is especially important.
—Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025
Slowing down will make tackling obstacles both easier and safer, while giving you time to enjoy the experience.
—Wes Siler, Outside Online, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstacle
Noun
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That can include language hurdles, arranging child care or elder care, and significant differences in national pension or retirement programs.—
Christina Larson,
Los Angeles Times,
25 May 2025
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President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and policy bill clears one hurdle.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Noun
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Additionally, 24% of providers in Colorado reported incidents of obstruction over those two years, and 18% experienced threats.—
Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton,
Denver Post,
22 May 2025
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Aid must flow immediately, without obstruction and at scale, because this is what is needed.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Noun
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But this latest exchange had a far less satisfying denouement: an uncertain military outcome and a diplomatic embarrassment, in the eyes of Modi’s nationalist base.—
Vaibhav Vats,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2025
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Houston has lost its last six against the Ravens, including last year’s 31-2 embarrassment on Christmas Day.—
Dan Pompei,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Noun
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As far as the lack of democratization, the current state of supply chains presents a high barrier to entry for small businesses who want to integrate with larger retailers or access global networks.—
Shekar Natarajan,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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Use waterproof barriers, such as special ointments or creams, to protect the skin from direct contact with water.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obstacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstacle. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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