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 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Newsweek that Zaragoza was arrested for assault in the third degree, obstructing justice and resisting law enforcement. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 Dugan was arrested by FBI agents on April 25 at the courthouse and charged with obstructing federal officers for allegedly helping Flores-Ruiz elude them. Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025 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, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct
Verb
  • Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was issued a red card in the 38th minute for impeding Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha in the box.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The university has also cracked down on chalking on campus sidewalks, which critics say impedes the free speech rights of students.
    Chris Quintana, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Congress has long blocked that increase from taking effect, with lawmakers from both parties fearful about the political fallout of voting themselves a pay raise.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • That dire warning aside, California tribes are also suing for a preliminary injunction against Kalshi to block its prediction markets.
    Contessa Brewer,Alex Sherman, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The share of businesses saying that lack of transparency was hindering operations fell by 12 percentage points to 16%.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • These challenges not only hinder women’s economic advancement but also limit businesses from reaching their full potential.
    C200, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • However, this approach isn’t ideal in agricultural settings, when branches are likely to occlude the visual sensors.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 28 June 2025
  • And, in every case, banal commentary is slowly occluding the art, seeping into it in boldface titles or explainers that speak over the sound or cover the image.
    Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And the new administration may be further hampering those plans.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • We wouldn’t be embarrassed by it, nor would the audience.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025
  • What People Are Saying Maritime analysts have weighed in on the nature reserve declaration, with some linking it to the August 11 collision that embarrassed Beijing.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruct. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obstruct

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