obtrusive

adjective

ob·​tru·​sive əb-ˈtrü-siv 

-ziv,

äb-

1

a

: forward in manner or conduct

obtrusive behavior

The waiter was attentive without being obtrusive.

b

: undesirably prominent

obtrusive TV commercials

2

: thrust out : protruding

a sharp obtrusive edge

obtrusively adverb

obtrusiveness noun

Synonyms

• busy
• interfering
• intruding
• intrusive
• meddlesome
• meddling
• nosy
• nosey
• officious
• presuming
• presumptuous
• protrusive
• prying
• pushing
• pushy
• snoopy

Choose the Right Synonym for obtrusive

impertinent, officious, meddlesome, intrusive, obtrusive mean given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others.

impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying.

officious friends made the job harder

meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

Examples of obtrusive in a Sentence

The waiter was attentive without being obtrusive.

We used less obtrusive colors in the bedrooms.

Recent Examples on the Web

The United States and Russia have learned how to successfully implement an obtrusive inspections regime from the New START Treaty, which limits the number of nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles each country can deploy. —Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2022

But rest assured: Menstrual underwear is far sexier and less obtrusive than diapers. —Gabrielle Kassel, Allure, 29 Sep. 2024

Upgrades were made throughout the back-of-house to improve systems and bring the building up to code, even cleverly using the new vertical atriums as shafts for a smoke exhaust system, for example, that eliminates the need for obtrusive and cumbersome ductwork. —Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024

Others have the obtrusive cups designed by Sony or Bose clamped to the sides of their heads like minimalist Mickey Mouse ears. —Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

obtrusive

adjective

ob·​tru·​sive əb-ˈtrü-siv 

äb-,

-ziv

: likely to obtrude

obtrusively adverb

obtrusiveness noun