Obstacle synonym,synonyms of obstacle

Similarity: Both "obstacle" and "barrier" refer to something that stands in the way and prevents progress or access. They imply a hindrance that needs to be overcome. For example, you can say "There is an obstacle/barrier in our path" when something is blocking the way forward.
Usage difference: "Barrier" often has a more physical connotation. It usually refers to a structure or object that is specifically designed to block or separate, like a fence or a wall. It can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as a language barrier or a psychological barrier. "Obstacle" is more general and can refer to any kind of hindrance, whether it's a physical object, a problem, or a situation that causes difficulties. For instance, a fallen tree on the road is an obstacle, and it may not be a formal "barrier" but still blocks the way.

Similarity: "Hurdle" is similar to "obstacle" in that it represents something that one has to overcome to achieve a goal. In both cases, they imply a challenge that requires effort to get past. In a race, for example, the hurdles are obstacles that runners must jump over.
Usage difference: "Hurdle" is often used in the context of a series of challenges or in a more competitive or sequential sense. It gives the idea of something that is part of a process or a course that one has to navigate. We often talk about overcoming hurdles in a project or in a career path. "Obstacle" is more general and can be a single or multiple things that cause difficulties, not necessarily in a sequential or competitive context. An obstacle can be a one-time problem that suddenly appears and blocks the way, while a hurdle is more likely to be part of a known set of challenges.

Similarity: "Impediment" and "obstacle" both mean something that impedes or holds back progress. They both suggest that there is something getting in the way of achieving a desired outcome. For example, a lack of funds can be an impediment or an obstacle to starting a business.
Usage difference: "Impediment" is often used in a more abstract or figurative sense. It is commonly used to describe things like a speech impediment, where it refers to a problem that affects communication. It can also refer to factors like legal impediments or technical impediments that prevent something from happening. "Obstacle" can be used in these abstract contexts too, but it also has a stronger association with physical or more tangible blockages. "Impediment" emphasizes the idea of something that slows down or disrupts a process, while "obstacle" can be more about something that completely blocks the way and requires more effort to overcome.

Similarity: "Bar" can be a synonym for "obstacle" as it can mean something that blocks or prohibits access or progress. For example, a bar across a doorway can be seen as an obstacle preventing entry, and we can also say "a bar to success" in an abstract sense, similar to "an obstacle to success".
Usage difference: "Bar" often has a more specific meaning related to a physical rod or a horizontal structure that blocks or separates. In a legal or formal context, it can refer to a prohibition or a restriction, like a bar on certain activities. "Obstacle" is more flexible and can refer to a wider range of things that block or cause difficulties, not just physical bars or formal restrictions. "Bar" is more likely to be used in specific, often physical or legal, contexts where there is a clear block or prohibition, while "obstacle" is more general and can cover a variety of situations.

Similarity: "Difficulty" and "obstacle" are related in that they both represent something that makes progress or achievement challenging. When you face an obstacle, you are also facing a difficulty. For example, a difficult math problem can be seen as an obstacle to getting a good grade, and it's clearly a difficulty.
Usage difference: "Difficulty" is a more general term that can refer to a wide range of challenges, including those that may not be as clearly defined as an obstacle. It can refer to a state of being hard or complex, like the difficulty of a task. "Obstacle" implies a more specific thing or situation that is blocking the way. A difficulty can be something inherent in a task or a situation, while an obstacle is more like a specific object or event that causes the difficulty. You can have difficulties in understanding a concept, but an obstacle would be something like a lack of resources or a specific problem that prevents you from overcoming that difficulty.