obstruction

noun

əb-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce obstruction (audio)
Definition of obstructionnext
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult an obstruction in the drain has the water all backed up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 My cat decided to waltz in front of the phone's camera during the VO2 Max test at one point, and the test continued despite the brief obstruction. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026 Allegations of obstruction The sentencing dispute also extends beyond Rivera’s lobbying activities. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026 The House approved articles of impeachment against him in 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress before the Senate acquitted him in February 2020. — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 27 Sep. 2026 In exchange, prosecutors dismissed two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child and obstruction of justice, per KSL. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstruction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruction
  1. obstacle
  2. hurdle
  3. embarrassment
  4. interference
  5. barrier
Noun
  • Galarza said misconceptions about electric stoves are the largest obstacle to broader use.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Read More Roborock’s Saros 20 stands out for its ability to climb tall thresholds, avoid obstacles with impressive accuracy, and clean under low furniture thanks to its slim design.
    — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • Credentials, required in 85 percent of growing jobs, are the most common hurdle workers must overcome.
    — Eric Kutcher, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Legal hurdles Ortiz was brought to the country at 9 months old without legal status.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • The drama that animates Mud is a Sisyphean one, and Wolf casts herself as agent of her own embarrassment and woe.
    — Enzo Escober, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to Epstein have been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of embarrassment
Noun
  • Seeman was banned two games for swearing at Trey McBride after Arizona's star tight end argued for a pass interference call when he was hit by a defender before the ball arrived.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Last week, Rams coach Sean McVay said the NFL privately acknowledged that officials incorrectly called defensive pass interference against Los Angeles in the closing moments of its Week 3 loss to Denver, nullifying an interception.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of interference
Noun
  • Junna is eager to become a mother, although several legal barriers prevent her from accessing sperm donations or fertility treatment.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • European textile recycling alliance ReHubs has appointed Béatrice Moureaux chief executive officer as the organization works to address the investment and demand barriers holding back textile-to-textile recycling capacity in Europe.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of barrier

Browse Nearby Words

obstructing
obstruction
obstructions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruction. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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