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 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
  1. obstacle
  2. hurdle
  3. embarrassment
  4. interference
  5. barrier
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • In France, youth sports are heavily subsidized by local municipalities and community groups, substantially lowering the barrier for entry.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • In an era where youth sports can cost parents thousands of dollars, a new no-cost league in the historic Northeast neighborhoods launched by the Kansas City Current aims to break down the financial barrier.
    — PJ Green July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of obstruction for Spanish Speakers

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