obstruction

noun

əb-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce obstruction (audio)
Definition of obstructionnext
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult an obstruction in the drain has the water all backed up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Federal indictment included multiple allegations In May, federal prosecutors charged both companies, along with the 47-year-old man who was the Dali's superintendent, with conspiracy, obstruction, and making false statement to investigators. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 31 July 2026 What the operating-model review adds is subtler than obstruction. — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Fauci refused to answer questions at the hearing based on his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, and Republicans threatened to charge him with obstruction. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 July 2026 The tip of a needle can also be helpful for clearing obstructions in the filter. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction
  1. obstacle
  2. hurdle
  3. embarrassment
  4. interference
  5. barrier
Noun
  • For many commercial fleets, access to fueling has remained one of the biggest obstacles to adopting natural gas vehicles.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike Lake Michigan, debris and garbage settle along the riverbed and near the banks, forcing divers to search through sediment and obstacles while currents continue to move beneath the surface.
    — Darius Johnson, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • When firefighters identify dangerous wildfire hazards, the solution shouldn’t be delayed by endless procedural hurdles.
    — Ruben Grijalva, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The deal faces hurdles over whether the Israeli or Hamas portion of the agreement should take place first, NPR's Franco Ordoñez tells Up First.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 July 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • In turn, there is a perception that the endeavor is one big cash grab, one that is not worth the risk of embarrassment if the film fails critically and/or commercially.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 31 July 2026
  • Our state’s ballot access laws are an anti-democratic embarrassment.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
Definition of embarrassment
Noun
  • Reigns won the match with three spears in a row in a perfect singles match that had zero interference.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Some legal and tax experts say the immunity agreement could violate an IRS statute barring executive branch interference in taxpayer audits and investigations.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of interference
Noun
  • Like many inland dikes, the barrier in agricultural fields near the small town of Waddinxveen, east of The Hague, is made of peat that needs to be damp to be strong enough to hold back water.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Replacing barriers with highways To understand the new design, imagine a conventional topological photonic chip as a road surrounded by wide safety barriers.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of barrier

Browse Nearby Words

obstructing
obstruction
obstructions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruction. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on obstruction

Nglish: Translation of obstruction for Spanish Speakers

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