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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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

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

Prosecutors will have to overcome a few key hurdles in their case.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
With so many advancements underway, the biggest hurdle may be the federal Nuclear Waste Policy Act, which essentially bars any permanent nuclear waste disposal licensing outside of Yucca Mountain, a project that is now, again, essentially defunct.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

For the Indian government, the scandal was seen by some a political embarrassment, triggering protests by the opposition.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Amy Edmondson’s work on psychological safety has helped leaders understand why employees need to be able to raise concerns, admit mistakes, and ask questions without fear of punishment or embarrassment.

— Brian Eason, Fortune, 9 Aug. 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

Although most of the migrants have since gone back, more than 80 migrants died, including some who drowned or were trampled in a stampede to cross a breakwater barrier, according to Spanish and Moroccan authorities.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Financing, along with bureaucratic hurdles the city has attempted to address, are often the largest barriers for developments like the Stockton Boulevard hotel, said Councilmember Caity Maple.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of obstruction

noun

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