Synonyms of encumbrance

encumbrance

noun

in-ˈkəm-brən(t)s 

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

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• embarrassment
• interference
• barrier
• hindrance
• burden
• impediment
• let
• inhibition
• shackles
• handicap
• constraint
• deterrent
• chain
• load
• stumbling block
• hitch
• block
• cramp
• stop
• trammel
• balk
• manacle
• drag
• holdback
• fetter
• delay
• clog
• bar
• danger
• brake
• disadvantage
• crimp
• restraint
• blockade
• curb
• arrest
• hazard
• difficulty
• blockage
• rub
• embargo
• stone wall
• rein
• hardship
• brick wall
• catch
• stoppage
• snag
• drawback
• stall
• peril
• bit
• hobble
• holdup
• check
• reef
• cumber
• adversity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentive
• advantage
• stimulus
• impetus
• catalyst
• spur
• assistance
• benefit
• edge
• aid
• stimulant
• break
• help
• goad
• boost
• handmaiden

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of encumbrance

Stopping the train to nowhere funding, using those funds to pay off our federal EDD debt so that businesses can reduce THEIR EDD encumbrances by the 1-5% they’re being charged now. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

According to the report, the district’s encumbrance clerk and superintendent secretary, Stacey Benard, issued fraudulent checks to herself totaling $9,621. — Beth Wallis, StateImpact, 19 Mar. 2026

The City of Boca Raton lost because the lease itself became the encumbrance. — Stacy Sipple, Sun Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2026

Still, Sabbath sounded amazing, the band’s distinctive vibe of limitless cosmic encumbrance, of Man squirming under the thumb of Fate, God, madness—the essential heavy-metal vision—somehow magnified by the venerable wobbliness of its playing. — James Parker, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025