OBSTRUCTION Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

obstruction

noun

əb-ˈstrək-shən

Definition of obstruction

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult an obstruction in the drain has the water all backed up

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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 obstruction Ongoing obstruction of those waterways is helping drive up the price of agricultural products such as fertilizer — and adding to farming woes in the process. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026 Royce was charged with homicide, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse and obstruction of justice, according to court records viewed by PEOPLE. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 Some may also face charges for battery, obstruction and resisting a police officer. — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 Mitchell served 19 months of a two-and-a-half-year sentence for conspiracy and obstruction of justice in the Watergate scandal. — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction

Noun

Bond yields Persistent inflation, tariffs and whipsawing gas prices are not the only obstacles complicating the task for the Fed.

— Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
The emotional incompatibility of self-care Applebaum said that even those who can overcome the practical obstacles often still struggle to take care of themselves.

— Elissa Strauss, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

But Oxley, writing in a commentary, cautioned that there are logistical hurdles and said the value of Venezuela’s reserves may have been exaggerated under former President Hugo Chavez.

— Collin Binkley, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Secondly, insurance and safety inspections remain critical hurdles.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

He’s particularly drawn to episodes that are discomforting for his countrymen—the Dreyfus Affair, and, a recent obsession, French accommodation in Nazi rule during the Occupation, a national embarrassment that was long passed over in silence.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Just the latest embarrassment from the worst president in any of our lifetimes.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

For many in Canada, the dispute raises concerns about American interference with Canada’s national identity.

— Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Jayden Allen Harwood, according to Uthmeier's office, was arrested on charges of interference in a child custody case and resisting officers without violence.

— Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of interference

Browse Nearby Words

obstructing

obstruction

obstructions

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“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruction. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of obstruction

noun

Example Sentences

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