crossword clue obstacle – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the crossword clue "obstacle", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Whether it's a physical barrier or a metaphorical challenge, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "crossword clue obstacle" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DAM: An artificial barrier built across a river to impound water, literally an obstacle to water flow.
4 Letters
SNAG: An unexpected or hidden difficulty or drawback, a minor obstacle.
5 Letters
BLOCK: Something that obstructs or hinders passage or progress, a common form of an obstacle.
6 Letters
HURDLE: A barrier or difficulty that must be overcome, often used in a figurative sense for a challenge.
7 Letters
BARRIER: A physical or abstract impediment that blocks passage or access, a common synonym for obstacle.
PITFALL: A hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty, a figurative obstacle often leading to failure.
9 Letters
HINDRANCE: Something that makes it more difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen.
ROADBLOCK: An obstruction placed in a road to prevent passage, often used metaphorically for a significant obstacle.
10 Letters
IMPEDIMENT: A hindrance or obstruction in doing something, often related to speech or movement.
11 Letters
OBSTRUCTION: The action of obstructing or the state of being obstructed; a thing that impedes or blocks.
More About "crossword clue obstacle"
The term "obstacle" in crosswords can be a versatile clue, pointing to anything that impedes progress, literally or figuratively. From a physical barrier like a "wall" or "fence" to a metaphorical challenge such as a "hurdle" or "snag," understanding the context of the puzzle is key to unlocking the correct answer. Crossword setters love to use synonyms that might not be immediately obvious but fit perfectly when considering the broader meaning of hindrance or difficulty.
Common themes for "obstacle" clues include natural formations (e.g., a "reef" for ships), human-made structures (a "dam" or "roadblock"), or even abstract concepts that present difficulties (a "stumbling block" in negotiations). Paying attention to the word count and any already filled-in letters will significantly narrow down the possibilities. A three-letter "obstacle" might be a "dam," while a ten-letter one could be "impediment."
Ultimately, solving "obstacle" clues requires a broad vocabulary and the ability to think outside the box. It's not always about a direct synonym, but sometimes about a word that describes an event or item that acts as an impediment. Always consider both the concrete and abstract interpretations of the clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your most important hint. Use it to eliminate words that don't fit and focus on those that do.
- Consider Figurative Meanings: Many clues, especially for words like "obstacle," have both literal and figurative meanings. Think about all possible interpretations.
- Look for Context Clues: Sometimes the clue itself provides a hint (e.g., "water obstacle" for DAM), or surrounding solved words can guide you to the right answer.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: If you're stuck, brainstorm synonyms for the clue, or even antonyms and then their opposites, to jog your memory.
- Use a Crossword Solver (Wisely): Pages like this one are great for specific clues, but try to solve as much as you can yourself first to improve your skills.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common types of crossword clues for 'obstacle'?
Clues for 'obstacle' often relate to physical barriers (e.g., 'fence', 'wall'), challenges ('difficulty', 'hindrance'), or setbacks ('snag', 'setback'). Context is crucial to determining the exact synonym, as an 'obstacle' can be literal or figurative.
How can I solve 'obstacle' clues when I'm stuck?
Consider the number of letters provided in the grid. Brainstorm synonyms for 'obstacle' across different contexts: a physical object, a difficulty in progress, or a metaphorical challenge. Look at surrounding solved letters for patterns or common prefixes/suffixes related to barriers or hindrances.
Are there common tricky synonyms for 'obstacle'?
Be aware of words like 'stumbling block', 'roadblock', 'impediment', 'hurdle', or even 'dam' if the context is about water flow. Sometimes simple, less obvious words like 'block' or 'wall' are overlooked, while other times more academic terms like 'impediment' are used.