What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
occlusive
Example
The surgeon applied an occlusive dressing to the wound to prevent infection. [occlusive: adjective]
Example
The /p/ sound in 'pat' is an occlusive consonant. [occlusive: noun]
obstructive
Example
The construction on the road caused an obstructive traffic jam. [obstructive: adjective]
Example
A kidney stone can cause an obstructive urinary flow. [obstructive: adjective]
Example
His stubbornness was an obstructive factor in the team's success. [obstructive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obstructive is more commonly used than occlusive in everyday language. Obstructive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while occlusive is less common and mainly used in medical or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between occlusive and obstructive?
Both occlusive and obstructive are formal words, but occlusive is more technical and specialized, making it more formal in certain contexts.
