as in obstacles
something that makes movement or progress difficult
an obstruction in the drain has the water all backed up
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Recent Examples of obstructions
Check slopes for bare spots, holes and obstructions, like rocks, fences or poles.
—
Greta Cross, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
Flat roofs with parapets (side walls), stepped roofs, saw-tooth roofs, and roofs with chimneys and other obstructions on top can collect snow in an unbalanced manner, the agency said.
—Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 28 Jan. 2026
Clear snow and try to find an out, clear of obstructions or trees.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2026
These networks are built to withstand temperature swings, moisture, vibration, and physical obstructions.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Jan. 2026
The designer, who holds certifications in accessible design, says the triangle’s goal of removing obstructions resonates with today’s emphasis on safe accessibility for kitchen users of all ages and abilities.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
These signs usually indicate several issues like clogs and obstructions or worn out parts.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Please keep in mind, however, that light pollution and tall obstructions will significantly lower your numbers.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 7 Dec. 2025
Don’t sled down any hill that has obstructions like a road or trees at the bottom.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025
Greta Cross, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
Flat roofs with parapets (side walls), stepped roofs, saw-tooth roofs, and roofs with chimneys and other obstructions on top can collect snow in an unbalanced manner, the agency said.
—Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 28 Jan. 2026
Clear snow and try to find an out, clear of obstructions or trees.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2026
These networks are built to withstand temperature swings, moisture, vibration, and physical obstructions.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Jan. 2026
The designer, who holds certifications in accessible design, says the triangle’s goal of removing obstructions resonates with today’s emphasis on safe accessibility for kitchen users of all ages and abilities.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
These signs usually indicate several issues like clogs and obstructions or worn out parts.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Please keep in mind, however, that light pollution and tall obstructions will significantly lower your numbers.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 7 Dec. 2025
Don’t sled down any hill that has obstructions like a road or trees at the bottom.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstructions
Noun
-
While officials have described the talks as constructive, major obstacles remain, chief among them the future of territory in eastern Ukraine where Moscow has shown little sign of softening its demands.—
Freddie Clayton,
NBC news,
8 Feb. 2026
-
When the car finally got moving, protesters began throwing obstacles in its path — Lime scooters, bicycles, seemingly anything that might trigger the car’s automatic anti-collision braking system.—
Evan Minsker,
Rolling Stone,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Long charging times and limited ranges are still two major hurdles that deter many potential EV buyers.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Industries with heavy regulatory hurdles, where adoption will be slowed by compliance, liability, and institutional inertia.—
Matt Shumer,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Reducing meetings to once a month and limiting public comment create barriers.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Last year’s blitz of bills, capping off years of gradual legislative efforts to remove regulatory barriers to building dense housing across California, has, in Wicks’ view, teed up this next big swing.—
Ben Christopher,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obstructions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstructions. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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