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 He was indicted on dozens of felony counts accusing him of illegally hoarding classified records — including nuclear secrets — and obstructing FBI efforts to get them back. Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2025 Johnson faced charges of violating her oath of office, a felony, and a misdemeanor count of obstructing police when her trial opened last week. Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2025 Marches on streets and sidewalks do not require permits as long as traffic is not obstructed. Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 Musk’s incursions into other agencies have reportedly risked exposing sensitive information to unqualified personnel, and obstructing people’s access to lifesaving medicine. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct
Verb
  • Without such reform, unmanageable debt will continue to impede these countries from investing in domestic green industrial strategies or in other measures to prevent and respond to climate, health, and other emergencies.
    Mariana Mazzucato, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
  • However, any individual who impedes law enforcement operations, potentially threatening the safety of law enforcement agents and subjects of their investigations, is subject to investigation and potential prosecution by the Department of Justice.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Blue Ghost also plans to capture high-definition imagery of a total eclipse as the Earth blocks the sun just before a lunar sunset ushers in frigid lunar night on March 16.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Visible at sunrise in eastern parts of North America as an eclipsed sunrise and in mid-morning across Europe, about 94% of the sun will blocked by the moon close to its maximum in Canada.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Automated feedback tools can further enhance engagement by providing instant responses to students, eliminating delays that traditionally hinder progress.
    Balaji Soundararajan, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin deliberately hindered international rescue efforts after the Kursk submarine sank in 2000 in order to protect his country's nuclear secrets, Bill Clinton has alleged.
    Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • So even at the time, her identity was partly occluded by that of her husband.
    Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 1 Feb. 2025
  • If an artery in your heart is occluded by a clot, pain may be felt in distant places such as your neck and your arm.
    Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Limiting the federal funding would hamper Medicaid's ability to help states during difficult economic times, when demand for coverage rises with falling employment and incomes, while states also have fewer tax dollars to spend.
    Phil Galewitz, NPR, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The rest would sooner expect the AfD to embarrass Germany than to save it.
    Simon Shuster/Berlin, TIME, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The rapper has famously pressed people (and embarrassed them) regarding giving him monies owed on social media.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruct. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obstruct

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