Meaning & use

Obstructionist

noun·Advanced

Last updated

A person who deliberately delays or blocks progress, especially in politics or organizational decision-making.

See it in a sentence

Critics accused the senator of being an obstructionist for blocking every proposed reform.

The committee's obstructionist tactics stalled the vote for months.

A note on using this word

The term is common in political commentary, often used to criticize opponents for stalling legislation rather than debating it openly.

Words with a similar meaning

blockersaboteur

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. adjective

Relating to or characterized by deliberate obstruction or delay.

The committee dismissed the proposal as an obstructionist maneuver.

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