Synonyms of obstacle

obstacle

noun

ˈäb-sti-kəl 

as in hurdle

something that makes movement or progress difficult

stumbling on all the obstacles along the path

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of obstacle

Kenya’s Ruto said financing remained the biggest obstacle to achieving universal access to clean cooking technologies across Africa. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

In reality, administration requirements and dedication to the Serbian national team were the main obstacles. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 9 July 2026

Murray said one obstacle to such a strategy is overcoming residents’ fatigue over receiving frequent wildfire alerts in recent years, particularly in Santa Barbara County, which is prone to wildfires, mud slides and other hazards. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

In 2015, when Canada last sought to reestablish ties with Iran, one major obstacle was the fact that Iran was holding two permanent residents of Canada as political prisoners. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026