as in obstacles
something that makes movement or progress difficult
an obstruction in the drain has the water all backed up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 obstructions
Currently, the Port Authority pays to have obstructions removed.
—
Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Altogether, there were some 252 obstructions around Mexico.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
An explanation as to how the FAA is ensuring awareness of existing regulations on markings and notifications of obstructions, and how the agency will work with others to share those policies.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 19 Feb. 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
Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Altogether, there were some 252 obstructions around Mexico.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
An explanation as to how the FAA is ensuring awareness of existing regulations on markings and notifications of obstructions, and how the agency will work with others to share those policies.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 19 Feb. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstructions
Noun
-
All four of those teams have faced obstacles in their path of rebuilding.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Chicago must also remove obstacles to effective policing, use technology such as the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, and update and enforce curfew regulations.—
Juan Rangel,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Easing installation hurdles While OpenClaw has surged in popularity recently, experts have previously pointed out limitations to the AI agent's mass adoption, including a complex installation process that's challenging for nontechnical users.—
Evelyn Cheng,Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Iran’s attempts to scale up desalination projects along its southern coast face significant hurdles, including international sanctions, high energy costs, and infrastructure bottlenecks.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That definition came to encompass places like neighborhood coffee shops, libraries, bars and more, where people from different backgrounds came together in an informal setting with relatively low barriers to access.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Part of that surplus went toward the creation of the LA84 Foundation, which promotes youth sports by removing barriers and aiming to give all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background or ability, opportunities to participate in sports.—
Linh Tat,
Daily News,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obstructions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstructions. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
