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

He was charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence and obstructing the investigation, according to a press release from Sunday's office. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

Paul Robinson, the father of a student who was accused with Abbatiello of being one of the ring’s two main suppliers, is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension and obstructing the investigation. — Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Will County prosecutors previously charged Alsaidi with unlawful use of a weapon and obstructing a peace officer. — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

The order prohibits anyone from withholding or obstructing necessary treatment or removing, discharging or transferring the child while the case is pending. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

That was followed by Foster City police stating Thursday that a person has been booked on suspicion of causing a fire that injured firefighters, and obstructing police and fire investigators probing the blaze. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026

Other times, there may be vegetation partially obstructing the stop sign. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026

The man was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, obstructing law enforcement and committing a felony while out on bail. — Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Former Portage Mayor James Snyder wants a federal appeals court to dismiss his case stemming from his November 2016 indictment, which included a charge of obstructing the IRS. — Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026