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 Habba accused the Murphy administration of obstructing federal efforts to remove undocumented individuals with criminal records. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 Under the laws governing immigration and ICE’s role in enforcement, educators cannot obstruct an ICE investigation or knowingly hide students. Brian Boggs, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025 Many of the rooms include deep, window-front soaking tubs, and from up here, without immediate neighbors obstructing the view, there’s a sense of space that gives the building—and its guests—room to breathe. Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 3 Apr. 2025 The status of the third remained unknown, but snow obstructed a full view of the nest. Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct
Verb
  • Williams’ Carlos Sainz initially qualified 12th but was handed a three-place grid penalty for impeding Hamilton, causing a shakeup in the order of those who were knocked out in Q2.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Maintaining a vigorous, healthy lawn is a good way to impede weed establishment and problematic perennials like dandelions.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, block unwanted calls and messages and refuse to provide financial information in response to an unexpected request.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In contrast, saucer feeders allow the hummingbird to use its long tongue, as long as bees don’t enter and block the ports.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Arbitrary rules shouldn’t hinder deserved recognition.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Objections from the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), however, may hinder plans for the new landing pads on the South Pacific atoll.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 9 Apr. 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
  • 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
  • Aly Song | Reuters Trump's tariffs on China are already hampering Christmas sales.
    Dan Mangan,Kevin Breuninger,Jeff Cox,Christina Wilkie,Erin Doherty,Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The deep budget cuts at HHS have also hampered the nation’s disease-detection capacity and pandemic preparedness with respect to pathogens such as bird flu, according to experts.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Mariah Carey just pulled a classic mom move by embarrassing her teenage son in front of his friends.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The leaking was intended to embarrass Bork, whose nomination was ultimately rejected by the U.S. Senate albeit for reasons unrelated to his rental list.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 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 Apr. 2025.

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