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

Legal challenges by college coaches The PCSA, on which the Senate has not yet voted and whose amendments could be rejected, still has obstacles to overcome before becoming law. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Engineers at the University of Washington developed DirectHop to explore whether hopping could offer small robots a practical way to cross obstacles without flying. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026

Travelers should be wary of unexpected obstacles littering the roadway as high winds cause trees and power lines to fall. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

While a quick reopening of the strait and a resumption of talks over Tehran’s nuclear program could be tempting to Trump, obstacles remain. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2026