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
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
Their flight plan for Friday also included rehearsals of basic medical procedures — including chest compressions and methods to clear airway obstructions — to help prepare future Orion crews for possible emergencies in deep space.
—William Harwood, CBS News, 3 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
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
Their flight plan for Friday also included rehearsals of basic medical procedures — including chest compressions and methods to clear airway obstructions — to help prepare future Orion crews for possible emergencies in deep space.
—William Harwood, CBS News, 3 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
-
Rams boss Les Snead and Chiefs leadership tandem Andy Reid and Brett Veach don’t seem hindered by obstacles either, despite later draft slots and paying future Hall of Fame quarterbacks.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The obstacles along the way fueled Jones’ drive to succeed.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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At a closed-door conference on April 28, the court and participants discussed the user experience, revealing that several bugs and hurdles remain.—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
29 Apr. 2026
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With limited communication access inside Iran, the filmmakers faced significant logistical hurdles in bringing the film to Sundance.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Aid agencies say Israeli security restrictions have tied their hands, creating difficult security barriers that have limited the influx of aid.—
Matt Bradley,
NBC news,
25 Apr. 2026
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Other good view barriers for privacy might include the edible olive, pineapple guava, Simpson stopper, Walter’s viburnum, podocarpus and clumping bamboo.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obstructions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstructions. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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