INTRUSIVE Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'intrusive' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intrusive are impertinent , meddlesome , obtrusive , and officious . While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs. // tried to be helpful without being intrusive

Q: When could 'impertinent' be used to replace 'intrusive'?

While the synonyms impertinent and intrusive are close in meaning, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice. // resented their impertinent interference

Q: When is it sensible to use 'meddlesome' instead of 'intrusive'?

The synonyms meddlesome and intrusive are sometimes interchangeable, but meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs. // a meddlesome landlord

Q: When is 'obtrusive' a more appropriate choice than 'intrusive'?

Although the words obtrusive and intrusive have much in common, obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions. // expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

Q: When might 'officious' be a better fit than 'intrusive'?

The meanings of officious and intrusive largely overlap; however, officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying. // officious friends made the job harder

intrusive

adjective

in-ˈtrü-siv

Definition of intrusive next

as in busy

thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited she's that proverbially intrusive neighbor who never knocks before coming in

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective intrusive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intrusive are impertinent, meddlesome, obtrusive, and officious. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

When could impertinent be used to replace intrusive?

While the synonyms impertinent and intrusive are close in meaning, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

When is it sensible to use meddlesome instead of intrusive?

The synonyms meddlesome and intrusive are sometimes interchangeable, but meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

When is obtrusive a more appropriate choice than intrusive?

Although the words obtrusive and intrusive have much in common, obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

When might officious be a better fit than intrusive?

The meanings of officious and intrusive largely overlap; however, officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying.

officious friends made the job harder

Examples 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 intrusive The technology is part of a booming multibillion-dollar market for intrusive phone-hacking software that is making government surveillance increasingly cheap and accessible. —

Ronan Farrow, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2024 Heavy security is intrusive and requires CEOs to constantly adjust arrangements with their security details, experts said. —

Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 7 Dec. 2024 If all else fails, GLP-1 medications, known for their effectiveness in weight management, also work to suppress food noise by reducing cravings and intrusive food thoughts, creating a more mindful approach to food. —

Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 These professionals can then take steps to brighten their mood without being intrusive. —

Jennifer C. Wolfe, Esq., Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intrusive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrusive

Adjective

Well, 2024 seems to have been a very busy year for the OECD and the OECD inclusive framework base erosion and profit shifting in terms of implementation of these two pillars.

Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
The man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a busy Manhattan street was scheduled for arraignment Monday on state murder charges just days after a dramatic return to the city to face federal counts in the case.

John Bacon, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024