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 He was also charged with felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 Stewart went to prison for five months after being found guilty on charges of conspiracy and obstruction of justice related to the sale of a stock. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 When odor molecules cannot reach the olfactory cleft, the obstruction must be identified and treated first. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Hernandez was charged with obstruction and fleeing, and Bersaino Gonzalez was charged with fleeing. — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction

Noun

Both benefit from improved navigation, apparently able to avoid cables and other obstacles as small as 2mm in size, as well as transparent objects like mirrors or glass.

— Dominic Preston, The Verge, 3 Sep. 2026
The 340-pound ball is just soft enough to bounce lightly over bumpy obstacles, but its slight overpressure keeps it relatively firm.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

Earlier models relied on broad hydrological assumptions and missed practical engineering hurdles.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
At that moment Benson was tempted to use his vertical leap of more than 40 inches to simply glide over him like going over hurdles in a 110-meter race.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

He’s particularly drawn to episodes that are discomforting for his countrymen—the Dreyfus Affair, and, a recent obsession, French accommodation in Nazi rule during the Occupation, a national embarrassment that was long passed over in silence.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Just the latest embarrassment from the worst president in any of our lifetimes.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

First, legislative majorities overrode the Court, repeatedly ignoring its rulings and adjusting the number of Justices to prevent its interference.

— Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
This month, the bureau's parent agency, the Commerce Department, quietly cut language banning political interference from the department's scientific integrity policy, NPR has learned.

— Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of interference

Noun

Rice lipids and jojoba oil seal in moisture and replenish the skin barrier, while 2% ectoin soothes redness and protects against water loss.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
The Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund was created to support semiconductor research and development investments, reduce barriers to innovation, and address growing global competition in the semiconductor industry.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of obstruction

noun

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