OBSTRUCT Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

obstruct

verb

əb-ˈstrəkt

Definition of obstruct next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The conservative Justices rewarded this strategy, rebuking not Alabama but the lower court for not being deferential enough to a state that had repeatedly demonstrated its determination to delay and obstruct. —

Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 The protesters allegedly formed a chain that obstructed the street by having their hands interlocked in a tub inside barrels and linking arms with each other. —

Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026 Seat locations for these non-transferable tickets will be assigned at random — some may be in the sections farthest away from the stage in each venue or have obstructed views. —

George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026 Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility. —

Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct

Verb

This ruling sets a troubling precedent that undermines protections afforded to interstate commerce and impedes site remediation, as well as the safe and effective long-term management of these materials for customers in Michigan and throughout the country.

— Heath Kalb, CBS News, 28 May 2026
His attempts to impede the certification of the 2020 election led to him being charged with obstruction of an official proceeding, alongside hundreds of January 6th rioters.

— Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 28 May 2026