as in hurdle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
stumbling on all the obstacles along the path
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obstacle
The government increased the number of obstacles to undermine the competitiveness of elections, the ability to run an organized campaign, and this has included not just terrible regulations, but arrests and prohibitions.
—
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
While Venezuela’s oil reserves are the world’s largest, obstacles include high up-front costs for building out infrastructure, limited profit potential amid today’s low oil prices and continuing concerns about political stability.
—Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
Dodd lost a vote on that element of the bill 90–9, showing the political obstacles to reform.
—Aaron Klein, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026
But the weather hasn’t been the only obstacle.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
While Venezuela’s oil reserves are the world’s largest, obstacles include high up-front costs for building out infrastructure, limited profit potential amid today’s low oil prices and continuing concerns about political stability.
—Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
Dodd lost a vote on that element of the bill 90–9, showing the political obstacles to reform.
—Aaron Klein, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026
But the weather hasn’t been the only obstacle.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstacle
Noun
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Billing Headaches Clearing the access hurdles to HIV prevention medicine was just the beginning.—
Zach Dyer,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2026
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Development of Greenland’s mineral resources is challenging because of the island’s harsh climate, while strict environmental controls have proved an additional hurdle for potential investors.—
Danica Kirka,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In the aftermath, hundreds of rioters were charged with federal crimes, including assault, seditious conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
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William DeFoor was identified as the suspect, and jail records show he was booked Monday on charges of vandalism, obstruction of official business, criminal damaging or endangering, and criminal trespass.—
Stephen Sorace , Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Vulnerability is currency on reality television, and after a season of exposing their own struggles and embarrassments, the other women are annoyed that Meredith wants to keep up appearances.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
7 Jan. 2026
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The current Giants are built to avoid embarrassment, not maximize upside — and Super Bowls require risk.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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As the balance grew, the payment portal became its own barrier.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
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This soap never strips the skin of moisture, leaving your face and body perfectly cleansed and your skin barrier stronger than before.—
Olivia Rose Rushing,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obstacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstacle. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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