Synonyms of obstruct

obstruct

verb

əb-ˈstrəkt 

1

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of

this would go much faster if you would stop obstructing me with your constant interruptions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• impede
• hinder
• hamper
• embarrass
• inhibit
• stymie
• handicap
• disrupt
• delay
• interfere (with)
• block
• encumber
• restrain
• clog
• constrain
• tie up
• hobble
• cramp
• short-circuit
• handcuff
• fetter
• thwart
• trammel
• shackle
• hold back
• frustrate
• stifle
• hog-tie
• curb
• tie
• cramp one's style
• bind
• give a hard time
• brake
• manacle
• retain
• retard
• rein
• hold up
• check
• balk
• derail
• barricade
• confine
• strangle
• sabotage
• arrest
• tether
• choke
• bog (down)
• baffle
• blockade
• smother
• chain
• leash
• repress
• suffocate
• foil
• roadblock
• suppress
• muzzle
• stump
• mire
• hedge (in)
• halter
• hem (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• facilitate
• help
• assist
• aid
• open
• clear
• liberate
• make way
• promote
• release
• encourage
• free
• unclog
• unplug
• loosen
• unstop
• smooth
• further
• untie

2

as in to block

to prevent passage through by filling with something

at the moment the city's only tunnel between downtown and the airport is obstructed by an overturned tanker truck

Synonyms & Similar Words

• block
• occlude
• congest
• fill
• clog
• stop (up)
• jam
• choke
• dam
• flood
• gum (up)
• plug (up)
• stuff
• clot
• overwhelm
• pack
• cork
• gridlock
• inundate
• fur
• bung
• silt
• stopper
• stopple
• swamp
• spile
• glut

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• open (up)
• clear
• free
• unplug
• unblock
• excavate
• hollow (out)
• unclog
• unstop
• scoop (out)
• lighten
• empty

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb obstruct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of obstruct are block, hinder, and impede. While all these words mean "to interfere with the activity or progress of," obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way.

the view was obstructed by billboards

When can block be used instead of obstruct?

The meanings of block and obstruct largely overlap; however, block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress.

a landslide blocked the road

When is hinder a more appropriate choice than obstruct?

The synonyms hinder and obstruct are sometimes interchangeable, but hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress.

rain hindered the climb

When could impede be used to replace obstruct?

While in some cases nearly identical to obstruct, impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering.

tight clothing that impedes movement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of obstruct

Calderón pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to impede, obstruct, impair and defeat the lawful function of Homeland Security Investigations within federal jurisdiction. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Bill Essayli re-shared Garcia’s post with a statement accusing the Congress member of encouraging people to obstruct the work of ICE agents. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

The technology helps robots manipulate objects and navigate around obstacles using touch, including when visual information is unavailable or obstructed. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026

But then, on the punt attempt, practice-squad call-up running back Tyus sprinted through the line and obstructed the punt. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026