OBSTRUCT Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

obstruct

verb

əb-ˈstrəkt

Definition of obstruct next

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 The head of de Blasio’s detail, now former NYPD Inspector Howard Redmond, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to obstructing DOI’s investigation and was fired, ordered to perform community service and had to make a public apology. —

Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2025 Tuck pleaded guilty to a felony charge of obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder and a misdemeanor charge of entering and remaining in a restricted area in September. —

Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025 Smith’s appeal of the dismissal of charges against Nauta and De Oliveira, who were charged alongside Trump with obstructing the investigation, is still active, and their lawyers argued this week that the release of a report while proceedings were pending would be prejudicial and unfair. —

Eric Tucker and Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025 The gates opened about an hour later, but large buses obstructing the road blocked the authorities’ passenger cars from advancing. —

Stella Kim, NBC News, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for obstruct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct

Verb

This intergenerational transfer of wealth while providing essential support to parents and grandparents often impedes young adults’ ability to accumulate wealth.

Noreen Sugrue, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Congress has delegated much of its foreign economic authority to the White House, but the biggest speed bump impeding Trump's ability to impose tariffs on Canada may be a trade deal negotiated under Trump himself: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2025