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 Ongoing obstruction of those waterways is helping drive up the price of agricultural products such as fertilizer — and adding to farming woes in the process. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026 Royce was charged with homicide, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse and obstruction of justice, according to court records viewed by PEOPLE. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 Some may also face charges for battery, obstruction and resisting a police officer. — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 Mitchell served 19 months of a two-and-a-half-year sentence for conspiracy and obstruction of justice in the Watergate scandal. — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction

Noun

Bond yields Persistent inflation, tariffs and whipsawing gas prices are not the only obstacles complicating the task for the Fed.

— Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
The emotional incompatibility of self-care Applebaum said that even those who can overcome the practical obstacles often still struggle to take care of themselves.

— Elissa Strauss, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

An open field across from the Dean and Barbara White Southlake YMCA could potentially be the site of Crown Point’s first pet adoption and resource center but multiple hurdles still remain.

— Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
The organizations, specialists and larger coalition of the willing have to contend with these hurdles.

— Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

My guess is the players might work a little harder to entertain the fans instead of turning what should have been a showcase event into the embarrassment that was this year’s All-Star Weekend.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026
And with many of these videos racking up millions of views, the ensuing embarrassment for the unwitting subjects can be palpable.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

For many in Canada, the dispute raises concerns about American interference with Canada’s national identity.

— Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Jayden Allen Harwood, according to Uthmeier's office, was arrested on charges of interference in a child custody case and resisting officers without violence.

— Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of interference

Noun

But even when care is available, stigma can still present a huge barrier.

— Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Beyond removing the psychological and practical barrier of injections, oral formulations are not reliant on syringes or refrigeration and are cheaper to manufacture.

— Perdita Nouril, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of barrier

Browse Nearby Words

obstructing

obstruction

obstructions

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Style

“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruction. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of obstruction

noun

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