as in obstacles
something that makes movement or progress difficult
an obstruction in the drain has the water all backed up
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Recent Examples of obstructions
Crews advanced hose lines to the second floor and had difficulty gaining access because of obstructions behind the bedroom door, according to the release.
—
Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
Check slopes for bare spots, holes and obstructions, like rocks, fences or poles.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
Flat roofs with parapets (side walls), stepped roofs, saw-tooth roofs, and roofs with chimneys and other obstructions on top can collect snow in an unbalanced manner, the agency said.
—Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 28 Jan. 2026
Clear snow and try to find an out, clear of obstructions or trees.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2026
These networks are built to withstand temperature swings, moisture, vibration, and physical obstructions.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Jan. 2026
The designer, who holds certifications in accessible design, says the triangle’s goal of removing obstructions resonates with today’s emphasis on safe accessibility for kitchen users of all ages and abilities.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
These signs usually indicate several issues like clogs and obstructions or worn out parts.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Please keep in mind, however, that light pollution and tall obstructions will significantly lower your numbers.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 7 Dec. 2025
Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
Check slopes for bare spots, holes and obstructions, like rocks, fences or poles.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
Flat roofs with parapets (side walls), stepped roofs, saw-tooth roofs, and roofs with chimneys and other obstructions on top can collect snow in an unbalanced manner, the agency said.
—Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 28 Jan. 2026
Clear snow and try to find an out, clear of obstructions or trees.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2026
These networks are built to withstand temperature swings, moisture, vibration, and physical obstructions.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Jan. 2026
The designer, who holds certifications in accessible design, says the triangle’s goal of removing obstructions resonates with today’s emphasis on safe accessibility for kitchen users of all ages and abilities.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
These signs usually indicate several issues like clogs and obstructions or worn out parts.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Please keep in mind, however, that light pollution and tall obstructions will significantly lower your numbers.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 7 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstructions
Noun
-
The researchers created the virtual animals and released them into a synthetic world, giving them tasks on how to navigate, avoid obstacles and find food.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
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The secluded area in Arizona where Guthrie lives and appears to have been kidnapped in the early morning hours of February 1 continues to present obstacles, as does the intense media scrutiny.—
Elizabeth Hartfield,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But there is optimism in the community that both these hurdles can be cleared.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
18 Feb. 2026
-
There are a host of legal hurdles Trump will have to overcome to keep this one alive.—
Jack Greiner,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Reducing meetings to once a month and limiting public comment create barriers.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Last year’s blitz of bills, capping off years of gradual legislative efforts to remove regulatory barriers to building dense housing across California, has, in Wicks’ view, teed up this next big swing.—
Ben Christopher,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obstructions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstructions. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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