Synonyms of obstructing

obstructing

verb

present participle of obstruct

1

as in impeding

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

• impeding
• hampering
• hindering
• embarrassing
• blocking
• inhibiting
• delaying
• handicapping
• stymieing
• disrupting
• clogging
• restraining
• interfering (with)
• encumbering
• handcuffing
• cramping
• fettering
• hobbling
• constraining
• shackling
• tying up
• thwarting
• holding back
• short-circuiting
• curbing
• trammeling
• tying
• hog-tying
• manacling
• retarding
• frustrating
• retaining
• checking
• stifling
• giving a hard time
• binding
• arresting
• reining
• cramping one's style
• balking
• blockading
• braking
• holding up
• barricading
• sabotaging
• tethering
• strangling
• choking
• chaining
• leashing
• derailing
• confining
• baffling
• roadblocking
• foiling
• smothering
• bogging (down)
• suffocating
• haltering
• stumping
• miring
• repressing
• muzzling
• suppressing
• hedging (in)
• hemming (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• aiding
• assisting
• helping
• facilitating
• opening
• clearing
• freeing
• releasing
• liberating
• promoting
• unclogging
• loosening
• unplugging
• encouraging
• furthering
• smoothing
• unstopping
• making way
• untying

2

as in blocking

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

• blocking
• jamming
• occluding
• filling
• choking
• clogging
• congesting
• flooding
• stopping (up)
• damming
• plugging (up)
• clotting
• gumming (up)
• packing
• stuffing
• corking
• stoppering
• overwhelming
• silting
• bunging
• inundating
• gridlocking
• swamping
• spiling
• furring
• stoppling
• glutting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• freeing
• clearing
• opening (up)
• unblocking
• unplugging
• excavating
• unclogging
• emptying
• unstopping
• scooping (out)
• hollowing (out)
• lightening

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of obstructing

Fajardo has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death and obstructing justice. — Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

In a particularly bizarre breakdown during Friday’s game between the Heights and Firebells, a New York runner was ruled out for obstructing the second baseman from fielding a ground ball. — Emily Ohman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Jalen Williams Two people were arrested for obstructing police after a fight at Grand Valley State University involving baseball bats and a knife, said university spokesperson Peg West. — Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Corrales and Henry also face charges of obstructing a peace officer. — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 9 Sep. 2026

He was arrested and later pleaded guilty to charges of obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder and entering and remaining in a restricted area. — Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026

The man is being held at the Chippewa County Jail and has been charged with operating under the influence of drugs, resisting and obstructing a police officer, assaulting a police officer and malicious destruction of police property. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

The jury found both Morrow and Stanley guilty of petty misdemeanor charges of obstructing federal property, disrupting government officials’ duties and failing to comply with officials’ orders. — Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026

He was booked into San Diego Central Jail on charges of felony evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety, obstructing or resisting a peace officer and driving under the influence of drugs, according to police. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026