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

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 obstruct Habba accused the Murphy administration of obstructing federal efforts to remove undocumented individuals with criminal records. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 Under the laws governing immigration and ICE’s role in enforcement, educators cannot obstruct an ICE investigation or knowingly hide students. Brian Boggs, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025 Many of the rooms include deep, window-front soaking tubs, and from up here, without immediate neighbors obstructing the view, there’s a sense of space that gives the building—and its guests—room to breathe. Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 3 Apr. 2025 The status of the third remained unknown, but snow obstructed a full view of the nest. Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct
Verb
  • The department in January ordered prosecutors to investigate for potential criminal charges any state or local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • In a January memo, the department instructed prosecutors to consider criminal charges against state and local authorities who obstruct or impede federal operations.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The city also hands out Narcan, which reverses an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of the opiate on the brain and by restoring breathing.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Mangione's attorneys have sought to block prosecutors from seeking the death penalty.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Leaders worldwide are promoting minimal AI regulation to drive innovation and avoid hindering growth.
    Art Gilliland, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Being smart with money now, as well as brand building, is crucial to making sure your on-the-field duties are not hindered.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This will to copy and paste the images of history in effect occludes its alien beauty and force—the simulacrum devours its source.
    Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025
  • This will to copy and paste the images of history in effect occludes its alien beauty and force—the simulacrum devours its source.
    Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The dissatisfaction simmered for years, hampering efforts to combine the automakers fully.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • O’Neil had shown a more ruthless streak in dealing with Lemina, stripping the midfielder of the captaincy after those embarrassing post-match scenes at West Ham.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Punk proceeded to beatdown and embarrass McIntyre, leading to Priest cashing in his Money in the Bank contract and winning the title from McIntyre.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruct. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obstruct

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