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

Relevance

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

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 Smith had charged Trump in U.S. District Court in south Florida with crimes related to his retention of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago after the end of his first term in the White House in January 2021, and with obstructing the recovery of those records by government officials. —

Dan Mangan, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2025 Hamas, in turn, has accused Israel of obstructing the ceasefire by blocking key areas and preventing Palestinians from returning to their homes, holding Israel responsible for any delays in fulfilling the terms of the agreement. —

Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 26 Jan. 2025 Andrew was also charged with obstructing traffic, according to online court records. —

Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025 In October, a judge sentenced Paul Orta Jr., of Blue Earth, Minn., to six months of incarceration for obstructing police and ordered him to report to prison when notified by the court’s probation office. —

Matt Sepic, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for obstruct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct

Verb

Along with carrying out mass deportations, his second administration has vowed to prosecute anyone who impedes their immigration enforcement operations.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
The practice is now impeded by ever more protective drone squadrons of P.R. people, although Prince Andrew’s ruinous television interview is a prime example—the disingenuous reporter meets the insufficiently self-aware subject, and blood is spilled.

— Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025