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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of encumbrance
But corporate apathy wasn’t the project’s only encumbrance.
—
Joan Gaylord, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2025
Since the Upper Sioux Agency land no longer provides those opportunities, the encumbrance must be placed on other public land of equal or greater market value.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 6 Aug. 2025
What the land bank offers to buyers is a clean title free of liens and other encumbrances, according to Jessica Caffrey, executive director.
—Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for encumbrance
Joan Gaylord, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2025
Since the Upper Sioux Agency land no longer provides those opportunities, the encumbrance must be placed on other public land of equal or greater market value.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 6 Aug. 2025
What the land bank offers to buyers is a clean title free of liens and other encumbrances, according to Jessica Caffrey, executive director.
—Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for encumbrance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encumbrance
Noun
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Throughout both films, Stern's Marv is subjected to some of the worst obstacles set up to protect Keven, including stepping on a nail barefoot, taking a hot iron to the face and bricks to the head, and surviving an electrocution.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Alignment is the key to overcoming obstacles.—
Karen Hinds,
Hartford Courant,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But that process was slowed by procedural hurdles.—
Megan O’Matz,
ProPublica,
13 Jan. 2026
-
While still a hurdle for million of Americans, financing costs have eased slightly in recent months.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Legal experts say the safest approach is to keep your distance, follow lawful orders, and avoid actions that could be interpreted as obstruction.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
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Swart said mixing peaceful protesters with individuals engaging in obstruction creates serious safety risks, as officers cannot easily distinguish between lawful demonstrators and agitators.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The embarrassment — firing the general manager and coach with three games left — should lead to another beautiful championship for the Nuggets.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
15 Jan. 2026
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There was agony for Ricardo Pepi, FA Cup embarrassment for a fit-again Chris Richards and a reassuring goal for Folarin Balogun as European clubs’ USMNT stars were in action over the weekend.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encumbrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encumbrance. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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