obstacle
noun
, -ˌsti-\
Definition of obstacle
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Synonyms for obstacle
Synonyms
balk, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, encumbrance, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, manacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammel
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Examples of obstacle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
None of this is to say that segregation is necessarily an insuperable obstacle to educational excellence. — Matthew Yglesias, Vox, "Democratic candidates’ school integration plans, explained," 3 July 2019 Age, instead of being an obstacle to success, is now one of their strengths. — Ephrat Livni, Quartz, "Humans don’t actually want to be immortal, we just want to be forever young," 27 June 2019 And witnesses also told detectives that the defendant had expressed the sentiment that her toddler son … was an obstacle to her relationship with her boyfriend. — Harriet Sokmensuer, PEOPLE.com, "Mom Accused of Murdering Toddler Son Because He Was Interfering With Extramarital Affair," 27 June 2019 The bots' steep cost may be an obstacle: Aibo retails for close to $2,900, and Lovot will set you back a not-so-lovely 299,800 yen (about $2,800 at the current exchange rate). — Kate Baggaley, NBC News, "New companion robots can't do much but make us love them," 23 June 2019 But Hagerty might face even more of an obstacle as a member of 7A, District 3 for the next two seasons. — J.c. Carnahan, orlandosentinel.com, "Baseball, softball FHSAA realignment creates new postseason challenges," 21 June 2019 Others take issue with the documentary’s apparent position that the FDA is an obstacle to innovative treatment. — Michael Hiltzik, latimes.com, "Legit stem cell experts in uproar over inclusion in film funded by suspect clinics," 17 June 2019 Currently, a rider must pay $4.95 for the card and an additional $5 for a minimum initial balance, an amount that could be an obstacle to a poor rider. — Christian Hetrick, https://www.inquirer.com, "These government offices in Philly won’t take cash, disregarding the city’s cashless ban," 6 June 2019 No matter how great Durant is, that's quite an obstacle for a rusty player. — Jerry Brewer, courant.com, "The Warriors, accustomed to dominance, are now battling uncertainty," 6 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'obstacle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for obstacle
obstacle
noun
English Language Learners Definition of obstacle
See the full definition for obstacle in the English Language Learners Dictionary
obstacle
noun
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Kids Definition of obstacle
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