Definitions

obstacle

[ob-stuh-kuhl] / ˈɒb stə kəl /

NOUN

impediment, barrier

Synonyms

STRONGEST

barrier difficulty disincentive hardship hindrance hitch hurdle impediment interference obstruction restriction snag stumbling block

STRONG

bar block catch check clog crimp encumbrance hamper hang-up interruption joker mountain rub traverse vicissitude

WEAK

Catch-22 booby trap monkey wrench

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage aid assistance benefit ease help opening promotion

WEAK

blessing clearance

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yet an issue far removed from the conflict’s epicenter may end up being the biggest obstacle to any treaty: Lebanon.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Investors cheered when Venezuela opened its vast mineral reserves to private capital in April but gang control over many mines could prove a powerful obstacle.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

So far, the roaring bull market that began in late 2022 has overcome every obstacle in its path.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Mistral AI Chief Executive Arthur Mensch stated that the biggest obstacle to European tech independence is the scale of necessary investment.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Rather he came to see her as an obstacle, just as a sea captain might view an iceberg—something to monitor and avoid.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Vocabulary lists containing obstacle

Michelle Obama's final address as First Lady (2017)

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Code Talker

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"Earth and Space"

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