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

That inability to generalize across tasks and environments is the central obstacle facing the entire industry, Wang told the conference. — Anniek Bao,jenni Reid,jenny Lee, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Two inequalities, of wealth and and of time, are the obstacle to the game-changing revolution in healthcare that these drugs represent. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

The vehicle clearly recognizes the obstacles in the way and freezes in place for around a minute, occasionally fidgeting with the steering wheel and pulsing the brakes. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 19 Aug. 2026

In a sport obsessed with scoring from the perimeter, her highlight reel, Williams’ claim to notoriety, lies almost entirely on her prowess as an elite defender, an impassable obstacle. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026