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
These signs usually indicate several issues like clogs and obstructions or worn out parts.
—
Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Do yourself a favor and take the time to properly inspect the machine, tighten any fasteners, check for wear on the rotor paddles, scrapers, and skid shoes, and ensure that the auger and chute are free of obstructions.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 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
Don’t sled down any hill that has obstructions like a road or trees at the bottom.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025
Five years on from the blast, no official has been convicted, and years of obstructions by top officials have stalled an investigation and hampered hopes for justice.
—Molly Hunter, NBC news, 2 Dec. 2025
Sidewalk obstructions and safety hazards.
—Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 2 Dec. 2025
Place your pile at least 6 feet away from cars, boats, basketball hoops and other obstructions and make sure there’s space between the curb and pile to allow water to flow to storm drains.
—Sarah Linn
november 5, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2025
The obstructions appear to be concentrated in areas where the White House proposed cutting the federal budget next year.
—Amy Maxmen, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025
Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Do yourself a favor and take the time to properly inspect the machine, tighten any fasteners, check for wear on the rotor paddles, scrapers, and skid shoes, and ensure that the auger and chute are free of obstructions.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 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
Don’t sled down any hill that has obstructions like a road or trees at the bottom.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025
Five years on from the blast, no official has been convicted, and years of obstructions by top officials have stalled an investigation and hampered hopes for justice.
—Molly Hunter, NBC news, 2 Dec. 2025
Sidewalk obstructions and safety hazards.
—Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 2 Dec. 2025
Place your pile at least 6 feet away from cars, boats, basketball hoops and other obstructions and make sure there’s space between the curb and pile to allow water to flow to storm drains.
—Sarah Linn
november 5, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2025
The obstructions appear to be concentrated in areas where the White House proposed cutting the federal budget next year.
—Amy Maxmen, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstructions
Noun
-
Institutions were obstacles to be blamed or bypassed.—
Philip Martin,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
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Ladders can help fish circumvent these obstacles, but learning to navigate them can take the animals days.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Getting to the rollout has not been without hurdles, though, with teams continuing to work around the clock.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
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The hardy parasite is also highly attuned to threats and responds with formidable defense mechanisms — prolonging a treatment process that’s already months to years long and often fraught with other hurdles and pain.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Authorities installed concrete barriers outside the federal building following protests.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
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These kinetic barriers restrict rate capability and dramatically reduce usable capacity under fast-charging or cold-climate conditions.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obstructions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstructions. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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