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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 Failure to cooperate or lying can lead to criminal charges, including contempt, perjury, obstruction and related offenses that threaten incarceration. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Sep. 2026 The Journal Sentinel first reported on the obstruction in the 87-year-old pipe, one of only two that discharge directly into Lake Michigan. — Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 10 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 See All Example Sentences for obstruction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction
  1. obstacle
  2. hurdle
  3. embarrassment
  4. interference
  5. barrier
Noun
  • The nano-container challenge The concept is promising, but sensitivity remains a major obstacle.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The Bolsonaro reaction Flávio Bolsonaro, by contrast, criticizes Brazilian democratic institutions – particularly the Supreme Court and the electoral system – as obstacles to restoring the country’s political order.
    — Andre Pagliarini, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • And Starship will have other hurdles to clear as well, even if today's flight goes perfectly.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • View gallery - 3 images A robotic suit that lets someone with a spinal-cord injury stand up, look a friend in the eye, or stir a pot on the stove without anyone's help just cleared its biggest hurdle.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 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
  • Future work could seek to understand other results, like finding out exactly when this type of interference from above becomes counterproductive, or what the long-term effects of managers taking more of a hands-on role with sales might be.
    — Daniel E. Chavez, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Those of South Asian descent are often seen as having been brought over by the British, while the Chinese are viewed with suspicion due to China’s political interference in Myanmar.
    — Andrew Nachemson, The Dial, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of interference
Noun
  • The Romeoville barrier does not protect the Des Plaines River above where the river and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal join.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Despite a strong résumé, Buchanan has encountered various barriers to entry throughout his career.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 26 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 29 Sep. 2026.

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