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
• impetus
• advantage
• stimulus
• catalyst
• spur
• edge
• assistance
• benefit
• aid
• break
• stimulant
• help
• goad
• boost
• handmaiden
• handmaid

Examples of obstacle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This represented a departure from much of the dry, objective reasoning by earlier philosophers, many of whom saw emotional relationships and domestic life as obstacles to clear-headed moral thinking. —Elissa Strauss, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2024

These include better image quality, especially in low light, with nighttime obstacle avoidance to help ensure the drone returns home safely. —Thomas Ricker, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2024

And one of the best ways to serve them is to remove obstacles to performance. —Ron Alvesteffer, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024

Reporters have faced physical threats for their coverage and major obstacles in getting information out of the warzone - especially from Gaza. —Hadas Gold, CNN, 7 Oct. 2024