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 Teixeira, a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, pleaded guilty to military obstructing justice charges, according to the AP, with a lack of jail time and dishonorable discharge being involved in his plea agreement. Tara Suter, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025 Last year, the commission barred protesters from obstructing streets or sidewalks in response to demonstrations in the city. Martin Vassolo, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025 Waiting until the last minute can lead to gridlock on the road for you and obstruct first responders trying to get to the active fire zone. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025 According to state police, the Infiniti driver stopped on the left side of the road near Exit 72, partially obstructing the left lane. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct
Verb
  • Records showed that Worthy had been arrested Friday by deputies and held in the county jail on a charge of assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded, or choking in common terms.
    Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Kansas City Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy was arrested Friday and booked into a central Texas jail on suspicion of assault of a family member by impeding breathing/circulation, according to Williamson County, Texas jail records.
    Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • If a sale isn’t completed by the deadline, the White House could attempt to enforce a ban — though legal challenges could delay or block that outcome.
    Esat Dedezade, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Boasberg blocked the administration from relying on that authority Saturday and in a hearing the same day, ordered the two flights to be turned around in midair and returned to the U.S.
    Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • His zone swing percentage is higher than average but is going to have to be at Freddie Freeman levels to hinder teams in effectively pitching around him.
    Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
  • However, some connections hinder, rather than help, professional progress.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And, in every case, banal commentary is slowly occluding the art, seeping into it in boldface titles or explainers that speak over the sound or cover the image.
    Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025
  • So even at the time, her identity was partly occluded by that of her husband.
    Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 1 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Over recent weeks, CISA employees, all speaking on the condition of anonymity, had told Forbes morale was low and concerns were high that important work was being hampered by the cuts.
    Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Both Iran and North Korea could then use Russian nuclear and missile technology to develop advanced weapons that would hamper the U.S. military’s response options in East Asia and the Middle East—and even threaten the American homeland.
    Christopher S. Chivvis, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Get okay with the idea that in the future, your past work will embarrass you.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Other times, the film feels too coy, as if embarrassed by itself.
    Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruct. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obstruct

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