hindrance

noun

ˈhin-drən(t)s How to pronounce hindrance (audio)
Definition of hindrancenext
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult made a survey of all the hindrances to wheelchair access, such as curbs and stairs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hindrance Election experts say confusion, rather than actual changes to law, could be the main hindrance to voter participation in November. — Amber Phillips, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2026 Rectitude is a hindrance in the game of electoral politics, where money greases the slippery pole and glad-hands welcome the winner with inside information. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 Mike Evans returned from a week’s absence and showed no hindrance from a quadriceps strain. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 Many organizations mistakenly view governance as a hindrance, measuring AI maturity by deployment rather than critical questions about purpose, reliability, and accountability. — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hindrance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hindrance
  1. obstacle
  2. hurdle
  3. obstruction
  4. embarrassment
Noun
  • Galarza said misconceptions about electric stoves are the largest obstacle to broader use.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Read More Roborock’s Saros 20 stands out for its ability to climb tall thresholds, avoid obstacles with impressive accuracy, and clean under low furniture thanks to its slim design.
    — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • This year, for example, Regan dropped an initiative that would have restricted hospital executives’ pay, in exchange for the California Hospital Association not imposing new administrative hurdles on unions pursuing political campaigns.
    — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • One of the biggest hurdles the state faces is communicating to the public the importance of these fires.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • He was sentenced to concurrent life terms in federal prison on six charges, nearly 12 years on a firearm conspiracy charge and 10 years on an obstruction of justice charge.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Where Montoya lived Montoya faces charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, possession of false immigration documents, use of false immigration documents and obstruction of agency proceedings.
    — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with Epstein has been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade and forced him to give up royal duties in 2019.
    — Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Mountbatten-Windsor's relationship with Epstein has been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade and forced him to give up royal duties in 2019.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of embarrassment

Browse Nearby Words

hindmost
hindrance
hindrances
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Cite this Entry

“Hindrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hindrance. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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