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 Larger plastic fragments could potentially end up obstructing parts of your GI tract. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas 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, 14 May 2025 Additionally, Iman accused the Gonna Love Me singer of taking their kids out of school for no reason and willfully obstructing and interfering with his right to pick up the their kids on April 17. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 9 May 2025 On Wednesday evening, a jury found Samson Allen guilty on charges of resisting arrest and obstructing justice during a police encounter last June that culminated in the arresting officer pressing his knee to the young Meridian man’s neck. Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct
Verb
  • The Justice Department announced charges against McIver on May 19 for assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement related to an altercation at a Newark immigration facility.
    Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Representative LaMonica McIver has been charged with allegedly assaulting, resisting, and impeding law enforcement officers following an incident outside of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in New Jersey.
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza blocked and offloaded 77 food trucks, the U.N. World Food Program said, as hunger mounts amid Israel's monthslong blockade of the territory.
    SAM MEDNICK, Arkansas Online, 1 June 2025
  • The Four of Pentacles suggests that clinging too tightly to control or resources may block abundance from flowing freely into your life.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • He has been charged with a collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension, both misdemeanors.
    Peter D'Abrosca , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
  • However, incomplete knowledge of prolonged symptoms experienced after a young child’s own SARS-CoV-2 infection hinders prevention and treatment of LC in infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
    Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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, 29 May 2025
  • Online shopping has been severely hampered at the retailer due to outages to its website that are expected to last into July.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • McGregor dismantled Aldo during the pre-fight lead-up and subsequently embarrassed him in 13 seconds at UFC 194 in 2015.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • But Mei is convinced her overbearing mother only exists to embarrass while never understanding her struggles.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on obstruct

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