OBSTRUCTION Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

obstruction

noun

əb-ˈstrək-shən

Definition of obstruction

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult an obstruction in the drain has the water all backed up

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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 obstruction Alexander Iniguez Mercado, 20, was charged in an indictment made public Friday with one count of obstruction of justice, which carries up to 20 years in prison. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 Recent emergencies have included animals falling off a boat, lacerations from dog fights on the beach, clamshell ingestion, sand impaction, which can cause obstructions in the digestive system, and of course Lyme disease. — Sylvie Bigar, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Amber Moree, 21, was arrested on Tuesday and has been charged with accessory after the fact of murder, obstruction of justice and misprision, according to the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office. — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 2 July 2026 Nixon then inserted himself into an obstruction of justice case by talking with an aide about blocking the FBI investigation, which eventually led to an impeachment inquiry by the House of Representatives and his eventual resignation. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction

Noun

But even Johnson is not immune to the bruising consequences of dealing with a president who critics say treats Congress as an obstacle, instead of an equal — frequently flexing his power through executive orders.

— Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Crews can drive directly into rivers or lakes without installing additional equipment, allowing the vehicle to continue moving even when water obstacles stand in the way.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

To directly address these technical, safety, and regulatory hurdles, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the international energy technology firm Eni have established a new commercial engineering services company named RH3OVA.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
There are still some hurdles to get Trout to the game this year.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 July 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

Goalkeeper Matt Freese’s costly blunder in the 57th minute was an embarrassment that gifted the Belgians a third goal to all but seal the elimination loss.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Either way, the development is a public embarrassment for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, whose antagonistic, foot-dragging attitude in negotiations with his young core finally cost him dearly.

— Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

His approach has drawn criticism from some Sikh groups, who accuse Ottawa of failing to hold India accountable or safeguard Sikh Canadians from foreign interference and transnational repression.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Subcommittees still do their work, but risks arrive late, management over-curates information and directors drift into either passivity or interference.

— David Ribott, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of interference

Noun

The laminate reinforces the glass to create a shatter-resistant barrier, preventing shards of glass from flying out during extreme weather.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Staffers wheeled the barriers over from the adjacent University of Washington baseball complex.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of barrier

Browse Nearby Words

obstructing

obstruction

obstructions

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“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruction. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of obstruction

noun

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