as in hurdle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
stumbling on all the obstacles along the path
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Recent Examples of obstacle
Raised by a single mom in upstate New York, Adams had to rely on sheer determination to overcome plenty of obstacles — like his small stature and lack of goalscoring touch — on his path to professional soccer.
—
Russell Lewis, NPR, 12 June 2026
But some market participants have raised red flags about investing in SpaceX into the IPO, citing concerns over valuation and potential growth obstacles for the Starlink business.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 12 June 2026
Even the most promising players hit obstacles along the way.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Meehan notes that one of the most significant obstacles facing retailers today is not a lack of data.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
Russell Lewis, NPR, 12 June 2026
But some market participants have raised red flags about investing in SpaceX into the IPO, citing concerns over valuation and potential growth obstacles for the Starlink business.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 12 June 2026
Even the most promising players hit obstacles along the way.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Meehan notes that one of the most significant obstacles facing retailers today is not a lack of data.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstacle
Noun
-
The city witnessed Carl Lewis win four Olympic gold medals, cheered Valerie Brisco-Hooks’ historic golden double and watched Edwin Moses extend his 400-meter hurdles unbeaten streak.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
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The antitrust hurdle cleared by Paramount comes as state attorneys general in California, New York and almost a dozen other states are contemplating an antitrust suit to put the brakes on what would become a mega-studio.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
12 June 2026
Noun
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Julie Chrisley was also charged with wire fraud and obstruction of justice.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
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Fans were arrested on charges such as suspicion of assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon (a knife), reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, and trademark counterfeiting, the NYPD said.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The Moscow attack was the latest embarrassment for Putin.—
Barry Hatton,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
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Democrats aren't buying it, saying the White House is simply trying to avoid an embarrassment for the president.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Noun
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Darren Aronofsky has now crossed the AI barrier as well, using it to make a series of web videos about the Revolutionary War.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
18 June 2026
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Video posted to social media showed the plane on its side and smashed into a highway barrier as the tail was ripped from the fuselage.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obstacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstacle. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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