as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
without the encumbrance of a heavy backpack, I could sprint along the trail
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of encumbrance
Check your title regularly: Periodically verify that no liens or encumbrances have been placed against your property.
—
Ronny Maye, Essence, 21 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for encumbrance
Ronny Maye, Essence, 21 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for encumbrance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encumbrance
Noun
-
Shifts in the technology industry have been a primary obstacle to recovery of the conference and convention business in San Jose, Bellisario said.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Martinez-Cid points to the Helms-Burden Act, as the most significant obstacle for any Cuban Americans considering investment.—
Isabel Rosales,
CNN Money,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For some seniors in Minnesota, happy hour comes with hurdles — but a new bill could change that by letting assisted living facilities serve drinks without a liquor license.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The layering of seemingly redundant policies targeting the same countries — new visa charges, entry bans and benefit-application freezes — are designed to create so many bureaucratic hurdles that people give up, experts and lawyers have told the Herald.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
By June, 2017, Mueller’s team was investigating Trump personally for possible obstruction of justice in connection with the case, The Washington Post reported at the time.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
21 Mar. 2026
-
On Wednesday and Thursday, the Public Works Department was staging equipment, working to clear debris from roads and inspecting drainages for obstructions ahead of the next storm’s arrival Thursday night.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The suit also claimed the deputies suffered embarrassment and death threats and are entitled to compensation.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Not an abject embarrassment, perhaps, but unacceptable in every sense.—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encumbrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encumbrance. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
