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 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
Having a semblance of moderated AI regulations and laws that are flexible and not crushing is potentially worth considering, but the inherent nature of any such encumbrances is that they will be overplayed and shut down AI innovation.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encumbrance
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
Having a semblance of moderated AI regulations and laws that are flexible and not crushing is potentially worth considering, but the inherent nature of any such encumbrances is that they will be overplayed and shut down AI innovation.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encumbrance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encumbrance
Noun
-
These shifts signal a recognition that regulation is not an obstacle to progress but a critical enabler of responsible, adaptive innovation - especially when physically embedded in place.—
Kath Mackay,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Despite the obstacles, authorities from at least seven neighboring counties have followed countless tips in their hunt for Decker, with some leads running hot.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
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The firm works with individuals facing financial roadblocks like mortgage denials, auto loan issues, and business funding hurdles.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
30 June 2025
-
The service faces regulatory and safety hurdles but has been lauded for its ability to cut traffic congestion and slash emissions.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
Noun
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DeKalb police charged Guevara with obstruction of police, unlawful assembly and being a pedestrian on the roadway.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
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However, Councilmember Paul Dillon proposed another amendment last week that eliminated the notice period and clarified the definition of obstruction.—
Tim Clouser,
The Washington Examiner,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Our parade in Fort Lauderdale was a fitting tribute to a great hockey team, while Trump’s embarrassment of a parade was a fitting tribute to a failed presidency.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
30 June 2025
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Indeed, President Trump will probably never appeal his executive order losses in lower courts to avoid the embarrassment of losing in the Supreme Court populated with three Trump appointees.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encumbrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encumbrance. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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