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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Example Sentences
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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.
—Foreign Affairs, 5 July 2024
Meanwhile, many of the same people were evicted from their houses as landowners used the crisis to clear off these human encumbrances and free their fields for more profitable pasturage.
—Fintan O'Toole, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
At closing, Seller shall cause the then applicable mortgages to be released as an encumbrance against the Property and may use Buyer’s closing proceeds for such purpose....
—Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2025
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.
—Foreign Affairs, 5 July 2024
Meanwhile, many of the same people were evicted from their houses as landowners used the crisis to clear off these human encumbrances and free their fields for more profitable pasturage.
—Fintan O'Toole, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
At closing, Seller shall cause the then applicable mortgages to be released as an encumbrance against the Property and may use Buyer’s closing proceeds for such purpose....
—Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encumbrance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encumbrance
Noun
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Extreme heat can also be an obstacle to exercising, spending time in nature, and socializing, all of which can make people feel good and also double as important coping mechanisms for emotional distress.—
Yasmin Tayag,
The Atlantic,
26 July 2025
-
This pattern of persecution, especially when combined with ongoing habitat loss, has likely contributed to low recruitment and remains a major obstacle to population recovery.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Noun
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Scaling its use requires overcoming hurdles related to the transportation of bulky materials, establishing local milling facilities and securing access to renewable energy.—
Sahit Muja,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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One reason for the unexpectedly slow pace is that the Chinese companies have not cleared a key engineering hurdle.—
Selam Gebrekidan,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
Noun
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Julie was additionally convicted of obstruction of justice and wire fraud.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
25 July 2025
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Singer pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of justice.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
24 July 2025
Noun
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The event was widely viewed as an embarrassment for the administration.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
18 July 2025
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But as George points out, embarrassment is one of the biggest barriers to getting on track.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encumbrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encumbrance. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.
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