as in obstacles
something that makes movement or progress difficult
made a survey of all the hindrances to wheelchair access, such as curbs and stairs
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Recent Examples of hindrances
Extending assistance to children braving learning hindrances, such as ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), dyslexia, and executive dysfunction, the program aims to offer support to the aspiring young scholars in need.
—
Nia Bowers, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025
And, of course, plenty of hindrances.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 25 Nov. 2025
The journey, first to Paris and then through Switzerland and Milan and onwards to Venice, was for the most part pleasant, being blessedly free of many of the wearisome and often infuriating hindrances and misdirections that rail travel usually entails.
—Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
Regulations and reporting are just some of the hindrances holding Europe back.
—Frederik Riskær Pedersen, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Nia Bowers, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025
And, of course, plenty of hindrances.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 25 Nov. 2025
The journey, first to Paris and then through Switzerland and Milan and onwards to Venice, was for the most part pleasant, being blessedly free of many of the wearisome and often infuriating hindrances and misdirections that rail travel usually entails.
—Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
Regulations and reporting are just some of the hindrances holding Europe back.
—Frederik Riskær Pedersen, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hindrances
Noun
-
While officials have described the talks as constructive, major obstacles remain, chief among them the future of territory in eastern Ukraine where Moscow has shown little sign of softening its demands.—
Freddie Clayton,
NBC news,
8 Feb. 2026
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When the car finally got moving, protesters began throwing obstacles in its path — Lime scooters, bicycles, seemingly anything that might trigger the car’s automatic anti-collision braking system.—
Evan Minsker,
Rolling Stone,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Long charging times and limited ranges are still two major hurdles that deter many potential EV buyers.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Industries with heavy regulatory hurdles, where adoption will be slowed by compliance, liability, and institutional inertia.—
Matt Shumer,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Check slopes for bare spots, holes and obstructions, like rocks, fences or poles.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Flat roofs with parapets (side walls), stepped roofs, saw-tooth roofs, and roofs with chimneys and other obstructions on top can collect snow in an unbalanced manner, the agency said.—
Bailey Allen,
The Providence Journal,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Skip thin plastic mulches and cheap fabrics and use shredded leaves, wood chips, cardboard, or durable, reusable barriers.—
Dr. Avishesh Neupane,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
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Paying visitors were forced to take cover when some tourists stood behind the barriers and flung coins down on them from above.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hindrances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hindrances. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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