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 Making sure supply vents and return grilles are free of obstructions. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 July 2026 In addition to allegedly shooting Kirk, he is also accused of witness tampering, committing a violent offense in the presence of a child, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026 However, nothing beats being in place the night before to check for trees and other obstructions at the time of the eclipse. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 5 July 2026 To the extent that their fellow-citizens refer to them at all, our government functionaries are perceived not as active agents of change but as inert, self-protecting obstructions. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction

Noun

Permitting — more than access to capital — is the main obstacle to building out the global energy system, the heads of the natural resources group at JP Morgan’s investment bank write today.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 9 July 2026
Finding locations with sufficient grid capacity has become a primary obstacle for technology companies building new facility hubs.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

To directly address these technical, safety, and regulatory hurdles, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the international energy technology firm Eni have established a new commercial engineering services company named RH3OVA.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
There are still some hurdles to get Trout to the game this year.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 July 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

Goalkeeper Matt Freese’s costly blunder in the 57th minute was an embarrassment that gifted the Belgians a third goal to all but seal the elimination loss.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Either way, the development is a public embarrassment for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, whose antagonistic, foot-dragging attitude in negotiations with his young core finally cost him dearly.

— Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

His approach has drawn criticism from some Sikh groups, who accuse Ottawa of failing to hold India accountable or safeguard Sikh Canadians from foreign interference and transnational repression.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Subcommittees still do their work, but risks arrive late, management over-curates information and directors drift into either passivity or interference.

— David Ribott, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of interference

Noun

The laminate reinforces the glass to create a shatter-resistant barrier, preventing shards of glass from flying out during extreme weather.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Staffers wheeled the barriers over from the adjacent University of Washington baseball complex.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 4 July 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of obstruction

noun

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