Synonyms for

Hurdle

Verb / ˈhɜ:dʌl / Another word for hurdle — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A hurdle is an obstacle that a runner or jumper has to jump over during a race or competition.

Synonyms & similar words

vault obstacle barrier impediment block difficulty challenge problem hindrance obstruction snag limitation handicap encumbrance nuisance annoyance burden hitch catch trouble

Synonyms by register

Formal

obstacle impediment barrier hindrance

Informal

hitch snag block problem

Literary

stumbling block encumbrance impedimenta

Antonyms

advantage ease success simplicity smoothness benefit

Common collocations

  • overcome a hurdle
  • clear the hurdle
  • face a hurdle
  • jump over a hurdle
  • a major hurdle
  • a significant hurdle
  • a financial hurdle

Word family

noun hurdle
verb hurtle

Usage note

As a noun, 'hurdle' refers to an obstacle or difficulty. As a verb, 'hurtle' means to move or cause to move at a great speed, typically in a wildly uncontrolled manner.

Example sentences

  1. The track and field athlete had to jump over the hurdle to finish the race.
  2. The horse stumbled over the hurdle and lost the race.
  3. The coach set up the hurdle for the team to practice jumping over.
  4. The high school student had to run a hurdle race for gym class.
  5. The Olympic athlete broke the world record for the 110-meter hurdle race.

Quotes

  • Life is like a hurdle race, you have to jump over them to finish the race.
  • Success is not a destination but a journey, it's a hurdle race.
  • The best way to overcome a hurdle is to keep moving forward.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words