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 The subpoenas concern possible obstruction of justice in the handling of cases before federal judges, the source said. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2026 Robertson said those concerns include obstruction of pedestrian and car traffic, collisions into infrastructure, and effects on pets and children. — Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Kelly Elizabeth Shea pleaded guilty to misdemeanor obstruction of justice in a plea deal Wednesday afternoon, and a judge sentenced her to a year of probation and community service. — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 Police reported 26 arrests during Wednesday night’s operations and said all roads were clear of obstructions Thursday morning. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction
  1. obstacle
  2. hurdle
  3. embarrassment
  4. interference
  5. barrier
Noun
  • Amazon Watch, a nonprofit focused on environmental protection and Indigenous rights, also welcomed Lula’s victory while warning of legislative obstacles.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Still, around 42% of marketers (linked in the Mediaocean research above) say that getting good quality data (or being able to access it) is a major obstacle, and only 10% have all their ad technology systems fully integrated.
    — Ivan Guzenko, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • That's good news for home shoppers, but may not be enough to overcome the affordability hurdles keeping many prospective homebuyers out of the market.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • On Wednesday, the Republican House speaker acknowledged his party’s hurdles while stumping for congressional candidate Kevin Lincoln in Stockton in the Central Valley.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • Also, keep extra toilet paper visible, your hand soap full and some air freshener on the counter, so everyone can use the bathroom without embarrassment or disgust.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The league is a farce and an embarrassment to our country, not thier country.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of embarrassment
Noun
  • Putin then orchestrated unprecedented foreign interference in the 2016 presidential election to help Trump and hurt his opponent Hillary Clinton.
    — Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Packing more sensors into the same area can improve resolution but also adds wiring and potential signal interference.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of interference
Noun
  • One of the key issues has been cultural and religious barriers.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Israel regularly imposes restrictions on movement across the Palestinian occupied territory with some 925 checkpoints, roadblocks, earth mounds and other barriers.
    — Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 24 Oct. 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 Oct. 2026.

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