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

Former court clerk pleads guilty Hill pleaded guilty to perjury, obstructing justice and misconduct in office and was sentenced to three years' probation and 100 hours of community service. —Marlene Lenthang, ABC News, 14 May 2026

Republican voters will choose between challenger Holly Cook and incumbent Ryan Davidson for the Ada County Commission District 1 seat in Tuesday’s primary, with both candidates carrying significant legal histories ranging from bankruptcy to contempt of court to resisting or obstructing officers. —Idaho Statesman, 14 May 2026

According to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, Jeremiah Collins, 16, pleaded guilty in Macomb County Circuit Court to one count each of carjacking, fleeing and eluding and attempted resisting and obstructing an officer. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 14 May 2026

According to court records, reviewed by PEOPLE, Oreoluwa Oloruntoba was arrested by Atlanta airport police and charged with simple battery, obstructing an officer and interfering with security measures. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026

Without blood vessels obstructing their view, birds’ retinal cells might be able to take in more visual information. —Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 13 May 2026

Eight people were arrested at the demonstration, Gothamist said, and were charged with resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. —Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 6 May 2026

Guido Reichstadter was safely removed from the bridge and is charged with crowding, obstructing or incommoding, unlawful entry and failing to obey an officer, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told Fox News Digital. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026

Eight people were arrested and have been charged with offenses including resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and criminal mischief, police said. —Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026