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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 Toliaferro is charged with malice murder, criminal trespass and obstruction in the death of 30-year-old Kenyon Jeffries, according to the district attorney's office. — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026 Crimes like obstruction and jaywalking are rarely prosecuted, but often appear in cases against protesters, McNulty said. — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 9 Sep. 2026 The driver of the vehicle, identified as Fred Guy Monaco of North Little Rock, was arrested on charges of first degree forgery, financial fraud, nonfinancial fraud and obstruction of government operations. — Dale Ellis, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026 Back in Georgia, Brown is also facing a misdemeanor obstruction charge in Paulding County for lying and hindering an investigation, Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson told CNN affiliate WSB. — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction
  1. obstacle
  2. hurdle
  3. embarrassment
  4. interference
  5. barrier
Noun
  • The biggest obstacle to adoption, Kato said, is change management.
    — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Charlotte leaders on Monday lambasted the state as a bad faith partner but indicated the financial pressure campaign might be an insurmountable obstacle.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • Propulsion presents another major hurdle, with researchers involved in the project highlighting the engine core, air intake, and exhaust system as key areas requiring further development.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026
  • But bureaucratic hurdles, such as long customs checks, and infrastructure that wasn’t designed to handle so much volume have produced massive traffic jams.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • Even an Impractical Joker, after hundreds of public challenges and punishments designed to push the limits of embarrassment, could still tense up when a cellphone camera caught him experimenting with a new bit.
    — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
  • There was once an NFL team with an embarrassment of talent amassed on its roster.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of embarrassment
Noun
  • And suspicions of graft, political bias and police interference loom over several of its members ahead of the country's presidential election in October.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026
  • New York fumbled the ball four times, had four pass interference plays that helped set up Dallas touchdowns and failed to get a sack despite generating pressure throughout the night.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of interference
Noun
  • On the moisturizing side, look for humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea, as well as barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides and cholesterol.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The serum-replacing cream repairs the skin barrier and slows cellular aging while deeply hydrating and plumping the complexion.
    — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 19 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 2026.

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