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 He was subsequently charged with obstructing an officer, a misdemeanor. Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2025 The snapback process takes 30 days, and the Europeans are aware that Russia assumes the presidency of the Security Council in October and may obstruct the process. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025 At the time, he was booked on a misdemeanor of obstructing an officer and was jailed through the weekend at the Valley Jail in Van Nuys, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff records. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 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. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct
Verb
  • Misconceptions that impede innovation include: R&D Is Solely Responsible for Innovation, The S-Curve Paradox, and Intelligent Failure.
    Merle Symes, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • What’s way less discussed is the role that players sometimes play in impeding that progress.
    Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Department of Defense has been blocking Ukraine from using long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory, according to a new report.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
  • The Supreme Court has blocked him on certain removals.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • These delays hinder access to vital services, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Adaptive Skills Training (AST), and Independent Living Skills (ILS) training.
    Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Tannins can temporarily hinder iron absorption by binding to non-heme iron to create compounds that can't be easily absorbed.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • However, this approach isn’t ideal in agricultural settings, when branches are likely to occlude the visual sensors.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 28 June 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • 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, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Brooks’ progress was hampered by a serious ankle injury the next season, which ended with Bournemouth getting relegated, and illness and fitness subsequently held back his career.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Yanks finally reached the World Series last season for the first time since 2009, only to be embarrassed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in more ways than one.
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
  • That’s how the Detroit Lions’ social media team did Jack Jones last Thursday, embarrassing the Miami Dolphins cornerback while showing how dominant Amon-Ra St. Brown was during both team’s first of two joint practices.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruct. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obstruct

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