OBSTRUCTOR Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

obstruct

verb

əb-ˈstrəkt

Definition of obstruct next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Sweiss was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and obstructing arrest, according to a Newport Beach Police Department update on the incident. —

Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026 Authorities added that the traffic barriers did not play a role in the collision and did not obstruct the roadway. —

Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026 He was convicted in 2019 of seven felonies, including obstructing a congressional inquiry, lying to investigators under oath and attempting to block witness testimony. —

Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026 The driver was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and obstructing or delaying an officer, police said. —

Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct

Verb

By contrast, laws that appear designed to impede on a religion have been struck down.

— Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Milwaukee Police Department policy states documentation must be done with reasonable distance from police, must not obstruct enforcement or impede other emergency services’ movement.

— Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 26 Mar. 2026