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
One of the biggest obstacles to progress is the lack of a federal policy to protect children’s privacy and to give them a voice in how they’re represented.
—
Dana Perino, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
In a special report, The Enquirer explores older adults' struggles to secure affordable housing and the systemic obstacles that are in their way.
—Sydney Franklin, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Nov. 2025
There are all these physical barriers, obstacles and challenges, and the world is not always an easy place to navigate.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025
But even with a difficult obstacle ahead, the light is still on for Walpole, and quarterback Blake Pileski relishes the challenge in front of him.
—Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
Dana Perino, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
In a special report, The Enquirer explores older adults' struggles to secure affordable housing and the systemic obstacles that are in their way.
—Sydney Franklin, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Nov. 2025
There are all these physical barriers, obstacles and challenges, and the world is not always an easy place to navigate.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025
But even with a difficult obstacle ahead, the light is still on for Walpole, and quarterback Blake Pileski relishes the challenge in front of him.
—Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstacle
Noun
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Now that some Democrats have signaled new support for reopening the government, Congress has to clear a number of procedural hurdles.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
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Lawmakers must still approve the final version of the continuing resolution and spending package, a process that could take several more days if all 100 senators don’t agree to waive procedural hurdles.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The charges included conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
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Look for the nearest tree, fence, building, car, or other obstruction to duck behind.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Remember his embarrassment after winning the 2016 presidential election but losing the national popular vote?—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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For years now, Fuentes has been both an embarrassment to the right and an indicator of what’s brewing in the id of conservatism.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Finally, high-income countries should eliminate or suspend tariffs on and other barriers to imports from economies with fragile food security.—
ARIF HUSAIN,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Nov. 2025
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Troops once used stands of trees or other natural barriers to defend themselves against small offensives.—
Thomas Wright,
The Atlantic,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obstacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstacle. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
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