as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
without the encumbrance of a heavy backpack, I could sprint along the trail
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encumbrance
The title reflects ongoing ownership, which may include various legal claims or encumbrances, while the deed is specific to the act of transferring ownership from one party to another.
—
True Tamplin, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
The narrative spun by Johnson and his allies was that the country’s natural exuberance had been stifled for half a century by bureaucrats in Brussels and that freed from these encumbrances, the union would flourish.
—Fintan O’Toole, Foreign Affairs, 5 July 2024
And despite insistences from Trump and his allies that having to attend the trial is an encumbrance designed to keep him off the campaign trail, the bodega visit was a good reminder that there’s still plenty of time in the week for Trump to campaign.
—Derek Hawkins, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024
In California, a clean title indicates a property with no liens, encumbrances or claims, ensuring the seller has clear and legal rights to sell without issue.
—Pat Kapowich, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for encumbrance
True Tamplin, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
The narrative spun by Johnson and his allies was that the country’s natural exuberance had been stifled for half a century by bureaucrats in Brussels and that freed from these encumbrances, the union would flourish.
—Fintan O’Toole, Foreign Affairs, 5 July 2024
And despite insistences from Trump and his allies that having to attend the trial is an encumbrance designed to keep him off the campaign trail, the bodega visit was a good reminder that there’s still plenty of time in the week for Trump to campaign.
—Derek Hawkins, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024
In California, a clean title indicates a property with no liens, encumbrances or claims, ensuring the seller has clear and legal rights to sell without issue.
—Pat Kapowich, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for encumbrance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encumbrance
Noun
-
Take Calculated Risks; Start Lean Entrepreneurs should welcome uncertainty as a catalyst, not an obstacle.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
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In Region 4 in Spokane, the biggest obstacle facing the No. 2 seed Huskies is No. 1 seed USC — which defeated UConn in Hartford in December.—
Scott Phillips,
The Athletic,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This is a hurdle that can only be overcome with time and education for customers.—
Manish Mittal,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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The biggest hurdle to employee retention is low salaries.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In November 2021, Burke was sentenced to 46 years in jail for assault and obstruction of justice.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
28 Mar. 2025
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Remember to check your outdoor AC units and remove leaves or any other obstructions that can cause blockages or safety hazards.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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But Couples has missed the cut in four of his last five starts at Augusta National, and the prospect of embarrassment does not sit well with him.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
19 Mar. 2025
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But their latest entry into this costly genre is yet another embarrassment in a string of them, and similarly destined to be forgotten.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encumbrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encumbrance. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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