as in obstacles
something that makes movement or progress difficult
an obstruction in the drain has the water all backed up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obstructions
The alternating placements of the piles/objects are very precise, which creates a series of chicanes, indicating they are not intended as obstructions but rather to prevent rapid ingress and egress by any vehicle toward the tunnels.
—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
Recent emergencies have included animals falling off a boat, lacerations from dog fights on the beach, clamshell ingestion, sand impaction, which can cause obstructions in the digestive system, and of course Lyme disease.
—
Sylvie Bigar,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
To have the best chance of viewing the planetary alignment, find a spot free of light pollution and a view of the horizon without obstructions like trees or tall buildings.
—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Of the photons of light that avoid clouds of dust and other deep-space obstructions to reach our planet, most don’t make it through Earth’s thick atmosphere, let alone through a telescope’s loss-prone optics.
—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
27 May 2026
If your garbage disposal makes strange noises, turn it off and check for any obstructions in the drain.
—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
21 May 2026
Water causes cotton to expand rather than dissolve, which can create obstructions in pipes.
—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
21 May 2026
Keep in mind, however, that unlike with sunset, there are more likely to be local obstructions to your visibility of the rising sun.
—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
18 May 2026
If safe, residents are asked to remove any obstructions to the public street, right of way, and sidewalk.
—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
Recent emergencies have included animals falling off a boat, lacerations from dog fights on the beach, clamshell ingestion, sand impaction, which can cause obstructions in the digestive system, and of course Lyme disease.
—
Sylvie Bigar,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
To have the best chance of viewing the planetary alignment, find a spot free of light pollution and a view of the horizon without obstructions like trees or tall buildings.
—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Of the photons of light that avoid clouds of dust and other deep-space obstructions to reach our planet, most don’t make it through Earth’s thick atmosphere, let alone through a telescope’s loss-prone optics.
—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
27 May 2026
If your garbage disposal makes strange noises, turn it off and check for any obstructions in the drain.
—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
21 May 2026
Water causes cotton to expand rather than dissolve, which can create obstructions in pipes.
—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
21 May 2026
Keep in mind, however, that unlike with sunset, there are more likely to be local obstructions to your visibility of the rising sun.
—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
18 May 2026
If safe, residents are asked to remove any obstructions to the public street, right of way, and sidewalk.
—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstructions
Noun
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Crews can drive directly into rivers or lakes without installing additional equipment, allowing the vehicle to continue moving even when water obstacles stand in the way.
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Remember, your perspective shapes your reality—choose to see opportunities over obstacles.
Noun
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Ro said interactive chatbots have technological hurdles to overcome, such as a mismatch between their verbal comments and their facial expressions.
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Meanwhile, the technological and financial hurdles of fighting the sonic boom appeared insurmountable.
Noun
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Families, educators and advocates described barriers to accessing proper support and services.
-
The Selma-to-Montgomery marches galvanized passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which did away with most barriers such as poll taxes and other forms of voter discrimination targeting Black Americans in the Deep South.
Cite this Entry
“Obstructions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstructions. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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