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
Additionally, the agency said Yusuf was arrested in 2016 for first-degree assault and has an active warrant from 2024 for obstructing police.
—
Rachel Wolf , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The man was booked at the Ada County Jail and has listed as charges six counts of felony battery on law enforcement, three counts of felony assault on law enforcement and one count of misdemeanor resisting or obstructing officers.
—Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2026
Michael Alan Harris, 42, of Detroit, was arraigned Tuesday in 36th District Court of Detroit on charges of first-degree murder, felony firearm and resisting and obstructing a police officer, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
To spawn, salmon must swim hundreds or even thousands of miles upstream from the ocean, and in the Columbia River and its many tributaries, their path is obstructed by a massive network of hydroelectric dams.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct
Verb
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Yet the current administration’s dismissive stance toward mRNA science, particularly COVID vaccines, could impede that effort.—
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New data shows Loop vacancies ballooned over the recent third quarter as post-pandemic work trends continue to impact and impede demand.—
Verb
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In the 47-second video, the agent can be seen walking around Good’s maroon Honda Pilot, which is in the middle of the street blocking traffic.—
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Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.—
Verb
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Normally, scent voices are mere whispers compared to the screams and angry shouts of humans, but in that section, certain sensitive plant species shrieked incessantly because of their proximity to plants that hindered their growth.—
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Among the factors hindering higher youth participation, CIRCLE research shows, include confusing registration deadlines and requirements, a lack of youth outreach and a dearth of regular curriculum that teaches young people about elections and voting in school.—
Verb
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In animal studies, rodents had their middle cerebral artery occluded, a standard stroke model in animals.—
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For example, if a ball rolled behind some occluding object and temporarily disappeared from view, the model generated an error when the ball didn’t reappear from behind the object in future frames.—
Verb
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Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
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Archival added that rescue efforts had been hampered by the fact that any sparks created by digging machinery could ignite methane gas emitted by the landfill, per the outlet.—
Verb
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The report reiterated concerns about seven situations, two of which have been on the list since 2007, including the bureaucracy’s chronic inability to successfully employ information technology — embarrassing for a state that is the global center for digital tools.—
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The report reiterated concerns about seven situations, two of which have been on the list since 2007, including the bureaucracy’s chronic inability to successfully employ information technology — embarrassing for a state that is the global center for digital tools.—
Cite this Entry
“Obstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruct. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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