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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The House approved articles of impeachment against him in 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress before the Senate acquitted him in February 2020. — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 27 Sep. 2026 In exchange, prosecutors dismissed two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child and obstruction of justice, per KSL. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026 The protesters faced felony charges for conspiracy and misdemeanor charges for obstruction, but the case fell apart in two steps. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 25 Sep. 2026 Cops arrested Eric Avrutov, 31, and charged him with assault, criminal obstruction of breathing and harassment. — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction

Noun

Galarza said misconceptions about electric stoves are the largest obstacle to broader use.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Read More Roborock’s Saros 20 stands out for its ability to climb tall thresholds, avoid obstacles with impressive accuracy, and clean under low furniture thanks to its slim design.

— Brad Bourque, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

This year, for example, Regan dropped an initiative that would have restricted hospital executives’ pay, in exchange for the California Hospital Association not imposing new administrative hurdles on unions pursuing political campaigns.

— Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
One of the biggest hurdles the state faces is communicating to the public the importance of these fires.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with Epstein has been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade and forced him to give up royal duties in 2019.

— Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Mountbatten-Windsor's relationship with Epstein has been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade and forced him to give up royal duties in 2019.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

Seeman was banned two games for swearing at Trey McBride after Arizona's star tight end argued for a pass interference call when he was hit by a defender before the ball arrived.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Last week, Rams coach Sean McVay said the NFL privately acknowledged that officials incorrectly called defensive pass interference against Los Angeles in the closing moments of its Week 3 loss to Denver, nullifying an interception.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of interference

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 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of obstruction

noun

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