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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 obstruction Investigators accused him of obstruction of justice, unlawful contracting and, among other things, claiming $127,630 in expenses linked to fictitious missions and plane tickets for nearly a dozen trips. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 The prosecutor, Matthew Evans, was fired on Thursday and is now under investigation for alleged obstruction of a grand jury probe, the person said. — Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Royce and Rachel Moser both were charged with tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse and obstruction of justice. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 After federal prosecutors and defense attorneys had presented all their evidence Tuesday, Morrow’s attorneys asked Orso to dismiss the three petty charges accusing her of obstruction, disruption and disobedience. — Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction

Noun

The report released by the NBA’s investigators at the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz portrays Ballmer and the team as treating the league’s salary cap rules not as strict mandates, but as obstacles to be evaded, like traffic cones.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Around 32% of previous cohorts are now hiring or championing others for more senior roles, with 68% of alums citing access to decision makers is the single biggest obstacle to career progression.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

Earlier models relied on broad hydrological assumptions and missed practical engineering hurdles.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
At that moment Benson was tempted to use his vertical leap of more than 40 inches to simply glide over him like going over hurdles in a 110-meter race.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

Just not being an embarrassment will go a long way for Giants fans.

— Adam Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Meanwhile, a major reboot out of Canton as Hall of Fame reduces its voting body from 50 to 25 in wake of last year’s embarrassment when all-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick stunningly did not get in on first ballot.

— Greg Cote September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

Getting around interference The biggest technical hurdle in spectrum sharing is interference – what happens when two signals overlap and scramble each other, like two people shouting different things in your ear at the same time.

— Aylin Yener, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026
When the waves were reunited, the team used an effect called interference, which occurs when the peaks and troughs of two misaligned waves meet, to measure changes in the free-falling wave.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of interference

Noun

Rice lipids and jojoba oil seal in moisture and replenish the skin barrier, while 2% ectoin soothes redness and protects against water loss.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
The Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund was created to support semiconductor research and development investments, reduce barriers to innovation, and address growing global competition in the semiconductor industry.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of barrier

Browse Nearby Words

obstructing

obstruction

obstructions

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruction. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of obstruction

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

shofar

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes