as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the many hurdles he had to overcome on the road to success
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to overcome
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hurdle
Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
If approved, the program’s perks include mentorship, assistance with regulatory hurdles (such as work permits and licensing), healthcare, and access to benefits that can cut living expenses by 20%, according to Invest Qatar.
—Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 15 Nov. 2025
Cam Hart got hurdled in an embarrassing fashion, but nothing came of it.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hurdle
Noun
Acknowledging the logistics and operational hurdles of organizing widespread Games and opening ceremonies, Dubi said that the decision reflects the geographic reality of the Alps.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
If approved, the program’s perks include mentorship, assistance with regulatory hurdles (such as work permits and licensing), healthcare, and access to benefits that can cut living expenses by 20%, according to Invest Qatar.
—Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
Burrell hurdles a defender for seven yards and gets the first down on a five-yard rush.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 15 Nov. 2025
Cam Hart got hurdled in an embarrassing fashion, but nothing came of it.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hurdle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurdle
Noun
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When the car finally got moving, protesters began throwing obstacles in its path — Lime scooters, bicycles, seemingly anything that might trigger the car’s automatic anti-collision braking system.—
Evan Minsker,
Rolling Stone,
7 Feb. 2026
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While road mentality might be one of Missouri’s biggest obstacles right now, the Tigers still have to focus on the opponent, too.—
Ally Schiepp,
Kansas City Star,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Whether the game is a blowout or comes down to a fateful goal-line stand, loyalists of one team may leap for joy, while others might lash out in anger, pummeling their TV sets or sinking into a deep postgame funk.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
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McKinnon takes serious precautions to ensure every last component of a costume stays intact, even as athletes leap, spin, and twirl at rapid pace.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Environmental justice advocates say that, in the past, vulnerable communities viewed the federal government as an ally to overcome roadblocks with local and state governments to access resources.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Feb. 2026
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And none have the same late-season baggage to overcome as the Red Wings.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But since his 2016 debut, Bad Bunny has emerged as the leader of a new cohort of barrier-breaking artists, among them Karol G, J Balvin, Anitta and Peso Pluma, who are globalizing the genre and redefining crossover appeal with their fierce cultural pride.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
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The truck was damaged after hitting the concrete barrier.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Longtime supporters have jumped ship, viewing the LDP as too old-fashioned and center-leaning, and instead flocked to new right-wing parties.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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Sonically, nothing jumps out and thrills, excites, or alarms.—
Mosi Reeves,
Rolling Stone,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Thanks to older siblings and friends, permissive parents, fake IDs, and unethical sellers, some young people have always found ways to evade these bans, and similar tactics could work for surmounting a social-media ban as well.—
Keith Humphreys,
The Atlantic,
2 Feb. 2026
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Stock challenges Among the challenges the stock market will have to surmount are troubling signals in the bond market, the portfolio manager warned.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
19 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Best Alternatives for Plastic Wrap In the Microwave Some cooks and chefs prefer to skip microwaving plastic wrap entirely to prevent chemical exposure.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
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Trump, true to form, knocked Biden for skipping the Super Bowl Sunday platform.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Penny won best in show on Tuesday at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, besting six other finalists.—
Martha Teichner,
CBS News,
8 Feb. 2026
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Grace Leung scored 14 points, while Emma Smith had 12 points as Bishop Feehan bested Cardinal Spellman 46-17 in the Catholic Central League.—
Tyler McManus,
Boston Herald,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hurdle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurdle. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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