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

An ordinary person with humble beginnings faces real obstacles in pursuit of a meaningful goal and is transformed both personally and in their circumstances. — Kylie Slavik, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026

Its inference-time reasoning guidance helps robots avoid obstacles and operate around people. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2026

As for obstacles, experts nodded to persistent bottlenecks in shelter beds reserved for domestic violence survivors and legal support options, financial limitations, especially as pandemic-era federal funding dries up, and widespread access to guns. — Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026

The same research finds its absence the leading obstacle participants report. — Leslie Ellis, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026