Synonyms of obstruct

obstruct

verb

əb-ˈstrəkt 

1

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of

this would go much faster if you would stop obstructing me with your constant interruptions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• impede
• hinder
• hamper
• embarrass
• inhibit
• stymie
• handicap
• disrupt
• delay
• restrain
• block
• interfere (with)
• encumber
• clog
• constrain
• tie up
• hobble
• cramp
• thwart
• short-circuit
• handcuff
• fetter
• frustrate
• trammel
• shackle
• hold back
• stifle
• hog-tie
• curb
• tie
• bind
• cramp one's style
• give a hard time
• brake
• manacle
• retain
• retard
• rein
• hold up
• check
• balk
• derail
• strangle
• confine
• barricade
• sabotage
• arrest
• choke
• tether
• baffle
• bog (down)
• blockade
• smother
• chain
• leash
• repress
• suffocate
• foil
• roadblock
• suppress
• muzzle
• stump
• mire
• hedge (in)
• halter
• hem (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• facilitate
• help
• assist
• aid
• open
• clear
• liberate
• make way
• promote
• release
• encourage
• free
• unclog
• unplug
• loosen
• unstop
• smooth
• further
• untie

2

as in to block

to prevent passage through by filling with something

at the moment the city's only tunnel between downtown and the airport is obstructed by an overturned tanker truck

Synonyms & Similar Words

• block
• occlude
• congest
• fill
• clog
• stop (up)
• jam
• choke
• dam
• flood
• gum (up)
• plug (up)
• stuff
• clot
• overwhelm
• pack
• cork
• gridlock
• inundate
• fur
• bung
• silt
• stopper
• stopple
• swamp
• spile
• glut

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• open (up)
• clear
• free
• unplug
• unblock
• excavate
• hollow (out)
• unclog
• unstop
• scoop (out)
• lighten
• empty

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

Recent Examples of obstruct

After remaining relatively quiet on Sunday, the Republican president in two lengthy social media posts said that Democrats had encouraged people to obstruct law enforcement operations. —Michelle L. Price, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026

There is no evidence whatsoever that Pretti obstructed federal law enforcement or incited violence on Saturday. —Karen Cortes, NBC news, 26 Jan. 2026

Do not obstruct federal immigration enforcement; do not allow rioters to take over the streets and houses of worship; do not hinder federal officials from investigating financial fraud and violations of election laws. —Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 2026

The Justice Department has separately opened an investigation into whether Minnesota officials impeded or obstructed federal immigration enforcement though their public statements. —Arkansas Online, 23 Jan. 2026