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 In that case, Herrera pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and felony discharge of a firearm, according to the outlet. Sean Neumann, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Aid workers have warned that children are dying daily from hunger in the region, with both Sudan's army and the RSF accused of obstructing humanitarian assistance. Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 2 Sep. 2025 Banners and signs must be hand-held and may not obstruct the view of other guests or PHX Arena advertising signage or be temporarily or permanently affixed to the building structure. Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Their sense of entitlement is obstructing major progress. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct
Verb
  • The Bundys and several others in the vehicles were arrested and charged with multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede federal officers.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Let go of whatever impedes your growth.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Congress previously voted to repeal the law, but then-President Joe Biden blocked the repeal with a presidential veto.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
  • In fact, such bills have been introduced repeatedly over the past three decades, only to be blocked time and again by Netanyahu and others.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Alternatively, overly conservative limits may hinder essential remediation measures.
    Perry Carpenter, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • The deployment appeared to be the first time in decades that a state’s national guard was activated without a request from its governor, a significant escalation against those who have sought to hinder the administration’s mass deportation efforts.
    OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ, Chicago Tribune, 2 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
  • Currently, only 37% of the more than 5 million tons of trash generated in the county each year is recycled — and even that is hampered by a 40% contamination rate.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 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, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If that wasn’t embarrassing enough, then came an ugly post-game brawl that has gone viral on social media all over the world.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Ultimately, the Eagles embarrassed the Chiefs, shutting them out 24-0 in the first half, and captured a 40-22 win.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruct. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obstruct

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