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
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
But the Scot hooked his second shot from a wet fairway on the 609-yard closing hole — a par 5 that yielded only 10 birdies in the final round — and even after getting relief from temporary immovable obstructions, MacIntyre could only hit wedge to 30 feet.
—ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
But there are wild cards, including potential obstructions from Orion’s solar arrays or the body of the spacecraft and uncertainty about how well the vehicle can maintain a consistent orientation.
—Adam Bluestein, Scientific American, 5 Apr. 2026
On Wednesday and Thursday, the Public Works Department was staging equipment, working to clear debris from roads and inspecting drainages for obstructions ahead of the next storm’s arrival Thursday night.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
Currently, the Port Authority pays to have obstructions removed.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Altogether, there were some 252 obstructions around Mexico.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
An explanation as to how the FAA is ensuring awareness of existing regulations on markings and notifications of obstructions, and how the agency will work with others to share those policies.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 19 Feb. 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
Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 6 May 2026
But the Scot hooked his second shot from a wet fairway on the 609-yard closing hole — a par 5 that yielded only 10 birdies in the final round — and even after getting relief from temporary immovable obstructions, MacIntyre could only hit wedge to 30 feet.
—ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
But there are wild cards, including potential obstructions from Orion’s solar arrays or the body of the spacecraft and uncertainty about how well the vehicle can maintain a consistent orientation.
—Adam Bluestein, Scientific American, 5 Apr. 2026
On Wednesday and Thursday, the Public Works Department was staging equipment, working to clear debris from roads and inspecting drainages for obstructions ahead of the next storm’s arrival Thursday night.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
Currently, the Port Authority pays to have obstructions removed.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Altogether, there were some 252 obstructions around Mexico.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
An explanation as to how the FAA is ensuring awareness of existing regulations on markings and notifications of obstructions, and how the agency will work with others to share those policies.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 19 Feb. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstructions
Noun
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The finale is leading to a big convention showdown between Hypergnosis and PINATA, which are each working through obstacles that any responsible company would iron out before going public with their product.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
17 May 2026
-
The incidents involving contact with chains, trailer hitches, poles, and curbs indicate recurring limitations in detecting smaller or irregular obstacles, especially during reversing maneuvers.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
By creating an antibiotic-free fermentation system, the researchers believe the platform could face fewer regulatory hurdles in future industrial applications.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
20 May 2026
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The bill needed strong backing in the House, as it was passed under suspension, which requires a two-thirds majority vote and sidesteps certain procedural hurdles.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
For many families, barriers to care stem not only from transportation or cost, but from feeling misunderstood, unseen, or unable to communicate comfortably with providers.—
Maria Bledsoe,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2026
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In the past, the EEOC has also used EEO-1 data to focus the agency’s outreach, education and guidance on industries where empirical evidence indicates that barriers to equal employment opportunity exist.—
Michelle Travis,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obstructions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstructions. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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