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 My cat decided to waltz in front of the phone's camera during the VO2 Max test at one point, and the test continued despite the brief obstruction. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026 Allegations of obstruction The sentencing dispute also extends beyond Rivera’s lobbying activities. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026 The House approved articles of impeachment against him in 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress before the Senate acquitted him in February 2020. — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 27 Sep. 2026 In exchange, prosecutors dismissed two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child and obstruction of justice, per KSL. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction

Noun

There’s outward social and internalized pressure on the Dashwood sisters to marry, and do it quickly, but per any Austen tale, the path is blotchy and blocked by obstacles and second-guessing.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
During robot operation, LiDAR supplies information about the surrounding environment, helping the framework account for obstacles and available clearance.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

The drama that animates Mud is a Sisyphean one, and Wolf casts herself as agent of her own embarrassment and woe.

— Enzo Escober, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to Epstein have been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

Powerus has not released navigation accuracy figures or explained how the system handles GPS interference.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
There's another tempting reason to watch the Taurids in 2026 — moonlight will cause little interference around the main peaks.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of interference

Noun

Junna is eager to become a mother, although several legal barriers prevent her from accessing sperm donations or fertility treatment.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
European textile recycling alliance ReHubs has appointed Béatrice Moureaux chief executive officer as the organization works to address the investment and demand barriers holding back textile-to-textile recycling capacity in Europe.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of obstruction

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

deportment

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

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

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes