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

And as expectations continue to rise, the organizations that stand out will be the ones creating the fewest obstacles. — Rhodes Kriske, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

But economic mobility also depends on safe housing, timely paperwork, promised assistance arriving and enough savings to absorb the next $1,000 obstacle. — Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026

By combining tactile feedback with information about its own movements, EmArm can adjust its posture, manipulate objects, and avoid obstacles in real time. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026

John Benjamin Hickey’s play-it-as-it-lays revival more frequently chooses to pretend that the obstacle isn’t there. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026