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
To have the best chance of viewing the planetary alignment, find a spot free of light pollution and a view of the horizon without obstructions like trees or tall buildings.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 June 2026
The elder Menendez began serving an 11-year prison sentence last year for bribery, extortion, fraud, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy.
—Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
Karely Reyes, 29, was charged with assault, resisting arrest and obstruction of government administration.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026
Its undeveloped backdrop ensures minimal obstruction, though its narrow width can feel busy.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 June 2026
The elder Menendez began serving an 11-year prison sentence last year for bribery, extortion, fraud, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy.
—Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
Karely Reyes, 29, was charged with assault, resisting arrest and obstruction of government administration.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026
Its undeveloped backdrop ensures minimal obstruction, though its narrow width can feel busy.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction
Noun
-
The strong will, solidarity and professional integrity were stronger than all of the obstacles, siege and war.—
Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Dec. 2025
-
The Argo float changed that, but not without obstacles.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
That promise, if validated, could dramatically cut the time and cost of adapting scientific codes for new hardware, a recurring hurdle as supercomputers evolve.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Dec. 2025
-
Google Glass, however, faced other hurdles.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
8 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Rajoub refused the entreaty, much to the frustration and embarrassment of Infantino.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
-
Trump hopes to move past the political embarrassment during a fresh test of his political clout in South Carolina and Nevada.—
Joey Cappelletti,
Chicago Tribune,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Cody James Maluck, 32, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Atlanta on June 9 for interference with crew members or attendants, considered a federal crime.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
11 June 2026
-
Blocking a merger based on potential interference to newsroom decision-making, the studio warns, could allow courts to start regulating editorial outcomes in violation of the First Amendment.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Assistant coach Kim Weiss, who broke barriers this season, is expected to be named head coach of the Las Vegas expansion franchise in the PWHL.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
11 June 2026
-
An Ocean View King is the best ADA room option since these rooms offer direct, barrier-free access, close proximity to amenities, and indoor corridors with flat surfaces and wider hallways.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruction. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
