OBSTRUCTS Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

obstructs

verb

present tense third-person singular of obstruct

as in impedes

to create difficulty for the work or activity of this would go much faster if you would stop obstructing me with your constant interruptions

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as in blocks

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

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 obstructs Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026 Anatasia steals a truck and obstructs their path, sacrificing herself to a bleak future, all in the name of love. — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 10 July 2026 But the data shows the current system obstructs even valid complaints. — Christie Thompson, NPR, 17 June 2026 White insisted on the extra room to ensure that nothing obstructs the White House TV shot. — Sean Gregory, Time, 26 May 2026 The intense, uncomfortable light that shines directly at the viewer and obstructs their eyesight. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 6 May 2026 The opportunities for science abound, such as the spectacular sight of a solar eclipse when the moon fully obstructs the sun from view. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 4 Apr. 2026 This constitutes a blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, undermines the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and obstructs the establishment of their independent sovereign state . — CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026 Wave action and fragile ice obstructs rescue potential. — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 4 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstructs

Verb

In addition to being under-equipped in terms of intelligence and logistics, Nigeria’s army has had a problem with poor remuneration that impedes counter-terrorism campaigns.

— Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026
The farmers said the smoke impedes their hay operation, as the haze blocks the sunlight necessary to dry the hay out.

— The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2026

Definition of impedes

Verb

Make sure the tarp completely blocks any light, and tack down the sides of the tarp to keep it in place.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
San Diego voters approved lifting the height limit that blocks thousands of new homes in Midway.

— Zack Defazio Farrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2026

Definition of blocks

Verb

Ultimately, glorifying sleep deprivation is counterproductive; prioritizing sleep is key for career longevity and productivity, while chronic insomnia leads to impaired judgment and hinders professional growth.

— Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Neptune retrograde hinders our intuition, leaving us lost in the fog.

— Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 15 July 2026

Definition of hinders

Verb

Floor-to-ceiling glass walls open to an expansive outdoor terrace where live jazz fills the air on Wednesdays and DJs keep the energy going on Friday and Saturday nights.

— Martie Bowser, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
There’s a chance that Ben Kindel, who scored 35 points in his rookie campaign in addition to very impressive two-way metrics, breaks out and fills the role well, but that’s a lot to ask out of a 19-year-old sophomore.

— Harman Dayal, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Definition of fills

Verb

Cybersecurity experts increasingly warn that restricting access to advanced AI models hampers defenders’ ability to identify vulnerabilities, test systems, and develop countermeasures.

— James Marks, Fortune, 23 July 2026
Neighbors of the state park who have become accustomed to spontaneous visits found that the new system hampers their ability to make a last-minute trip.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026

Definition of hampers

Verb

Graft inquiry embarrasses Zelensky Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office said in a Telegram announcement that the investigation into Yermak is ongoing.

— Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Now the technology embarrasses an umpire even more than a player could, and what’s the recourse?

— Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026

Definition of embarrasses

Browse Nearby Words

obstructions

obstructs

obtain

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“Obstructs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstructs. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of obstructs

verb

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