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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obstruct
For example, avoid blocking windows, crowding doorways, or obstructing architectural features.
—
Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2025
The first play involved him running in to field a dribbler on the grass and firing home on the run and around the runner who wisely had taken the inside lane to obstruct Iglesias’ throw.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025
The person has been arrested for assault with a weapon and obstructing a police, according to Sergeant Chris Hutchison.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2025
The first play involved him running in to field a dribbler on the grass and firing home on the run and around the runner who wisely had taken the inside lane to obstruct Iglesias’ throw.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025
The person has been arrested for assault with a weapon and obstructing a police, according to Sergeant Chris Hutchison.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct
Verb
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The affair did not impede Smotrich’s ascent as a settler activist and politician.—
Gershom Gorenberg,
The Atlantic,
30 May 2025
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Any action that impedes these dynamics should be flatly rejected because unnecessarily regulating a competitive marketplace will only harm consumers.—
Michael Santorelli,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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The Four of Pentacles suggests that clinging too tightly to control or resources may block abundance from flowing freely into your life.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
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Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza blocked and offloaded 77 food trucks, the U.N. World Food Program said, as hunger mounts amid Israel's monthslong blockade of the territory.—
SAM MEDNICK,
Arkansas Online,
1 June 2025
Verb
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Civilian layoffs would hinder critical administrative support to sworn personnel and harm essential services citywide, McDonnell stressed.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
12 June 2025
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In some such as Utah and Nevada, the government controls the vast majority of lands, protecting them from potential exploitation but hindering growth.—
Matthew Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2025
Verb
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This will to copy and paste the images of history in effect occludes its alien beauty and force—the simulacrum devours its source.—
Namwali Serpell,
The New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2025
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And, in every case, banal commentary is slowly occluding the art, seeping into it in boldface titles or explainers that speak over the sound or cover the image.—
Namwali Serpell,
The New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2025
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Hundreds of law enforcement officers at the local, state and federal level spent nearly two weeks searching for Hardin, using dogs, drones and aircraft, at times hampered by severe weather.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
Verb
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The following program will contain graphic stupidity, as four friends compete to embarrass one another – only this time in Lithuania.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
9 June 2025
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Races are sometimes won by runners making a move from the back of the pack, and L.A. could still find its stride, show some pride, and avoid embarrassing itself.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruct. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
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