Synonym Chooser

How does the verb obstruct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of obstruct are block, hinder, and impede. While all these words mean "to interfere with the activity or progress of," obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way.

the view was obstructed by billboards

When can block be used instead of obstruct?

The meanings of block and obstruct largely overlap; however, block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress.

a landslide blocked the road

When is hinder a more appropriate choice than obstruct?

The synonyms hinder and obstruct are sometimes interchangeable, but hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress.

rain hindered the climb

When could impede be used to replace obstruct?

While in some cases nearly identical to obstruct, impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering.

tight clothing that impedes movement

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 obstruct Anatomy of the jaw The tongue obstructing airflow is not always the fault of the tongue itself. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2025 Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025 In May 2018, she was diagnosed with aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the heart to the body, becomes narrowed or obstructed. Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 Women are barred from ordination in the Catholic Church, and the disagreement has obstructed attempts to bring the churches together. Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct
Verb
  • Since pre-shredded cheeses are coated in anti-caking agents that can impede melting, our Test Kitchen recommends grating your own cheese from a block or wedge.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Martinez was charged in federal court with forcibly assaulting, impeding, and interfering with a federal law enforcement officer.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But Ayton has skill, a silky jumper, smooth footwork and a giant frame that can block off the paint on the other end.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • After a week of chaos and confusion, as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees described it, the fates of more than 600 workers hang in the balance now that a federal judge has temporarily blocked their terminations.
    Erika Edwards, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, Powell said that would be a mistake and would hinder the Fed's ability to carry out policy.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Many complications hinder the process, including Israeli opposition to a Palestinian state, expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank, the ongoing Gaza conflict, and an aging and corrupt Palestinian leadership, which the US and other Arab nations say requires reform.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In animal studies, rodents had their middle cerebral artery occluded, a standard stroke model in animals.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Oct. 2025
  • For example, if a ball rolled behind some occluding object and temporarily disappeared from view, the model generated an error when the ball didn’t reappear from behind the object in future frames.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025
  • With injuries and inconsistency hampering the wide receiver corps, the Commanders are set to host former Tennessee Titans first-round draft pick Treylon Burks.
    Josh Buckhalter, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Bears lost this matchup in embarrassing fashion last year as the Commanders completed a Hail Mary with time expiring.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The games themselves are embarrassing enough to watch.
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruct. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obstruct

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