1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obstruct
Rather than expand the government’s role, reforms need to address the price opacity problem that is obstructing the ability of healthcare professionals to deliver higher quality care to patients at lower costs.
—
Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
All four are facing charges of second degree disorderly conduct and obstructing a highway after officers responded to West Broadway and Sixth Street at around 2:10 p.m. on reports of people obstructing the road and impeding the flow of traffic, according to arrest citations.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 July 2025
Austin was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing a highway.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 21 July 2025
Cho's team indicted Yoon on abuse of power that obstructed the rights of some of his Cabinet members.
—Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
All four are facing charges of second degree disorderly conduct and obstructing a highway after officers responded to West Broadway and Sixth Street at around 2:10 p.m. on reports of people obstructing the road and impeding the flow of traffic, according to arrest citations.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 July 2025
Austin was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing a highway.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 21 July 2025
Cho's team indicted Yoon on abuse of power that obstructed the rights of some of his Cabinet members.
—Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstruct
Verb
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Though no charges have been filed, the probe was backed by DOJ leadership and stemmed from a memo by former Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, now a Trump judicial nominee, urging prosecution of state actors who impede immigration enforcement.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 July 2025
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Agents were executing a search warrant at the farm and arrested several individuals on suspicion of impeding the operation, according to Essayli.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
Verb
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The Senate Armed Services Committee passed a limited-but-similar measure in its version of the bill to block renaming of bases in Virginia.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
19 July 2025
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The bill also strengthens the federal government’s ability to combat illicit use of digital assets by allowing the Treasury to block access to stablecoins issued by foreign entities that fail to comply with U.S. law.—
Becca Bratcher,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
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Hayes and the unnamed person were also charged with hindering prosecution in the first degree, according to court documents.—
Perry Vandell,
AZCentral.com,
30 July 2025
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Leading Through Change And Crisis There's no doubt leadership fatigue toward managing culture can erode an organization’s sense of identity, hinder growth and breed disengagement.—
Dave Barnett,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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So while the player got a dream move to one of Europe’s top leagues and RSL got what felt like good value, a once-promising push to win hardware was undeniably hampered.—
Jeff Rueter,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
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Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 July 2025
Verb
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Look, the Yankees didn’t embarrass themselves in a 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on Monday night.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
29 July 2025
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In the aftermath, the mother was angry for a week, accusing him of undermining her authority and embarrassing her in front of their social circle.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstruct. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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