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 Make sure both your indoor and outdoor vents are cleared of obstructions such as furniture or debris to make your AC work as efficiently as possible. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 14 July 2026 Interfering with law enforcement is called obstruction of justice. — Eva Flowe, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026 Aaron Ammons was also charged with a separate count of obstruction of justice. — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 The change in the law comes after a July 2025 Kansas Supreme Court ruling decided that Kansas officers may no longer stop cars solely for obstruction of a state name on a license plate. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction

Noun

Despite the obstacles, families will be moving into the two units within the next few weeks and will be able to stay for as long as necessary.

— Julianna Mejia July 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
Any effort to federalize or take over elections would face serious legal obstacles, said Nahal Kazemi, a Chapman University law professor.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

Yet another hurdle is Chicago Parking Meters itself, which has threatened to sue the city if the council doesn’t approve the Stonepeak deal.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
For instance, non-invasive EEG systems generally capture weaker and noisier signals than implanted brain devices, making accuracy and reliability critical hurdles.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

In the first half of the album, Dean explores unstable characters—bearing some resemblance, perhaps, to their indie-sleaze peers—with both second-hand embarrassment and fascination.

— Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026
By every ordinary rule of public life, the South Station scene should have induced annoyance or caused embarrassment.

— Julia Dhar, Time, 11 July 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

The Commissioner must be able to communicate clearly with Congress, industry, patient groups, clinicians, scientists, and the public while defending the agency’s scientific integrity against political interference from any direction.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 14 July 2026
There are staffers uncomfortable with the politics of the deal, worried that political interference could alter CNN’s coverage in a meaningful way.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026

Definition of interference

Noun

Formulas that contain a high percentage of salicylic acid are always too strong for me, ripping through my skin’s barrier and causing more breakouts and irritation.

— Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 18 July 2026
But sometimes just thinking about tackling those jobs can feel exhausting, creating a barrier to success even for people who are highly motivated to improve their homes and their lives by exerting control over their belongings.

— Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 18 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of obstruction

noun

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