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Synonym Chooser

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

Example 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 With first-party data becoming increasingly important for precise targeting, contextual strategies offer a way for advertisers to deliver relevant ads without relying on intrusive personal information. Tony Gonzalez, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 The film is filled with intrusive creeping figures, but even more frightening are the repressed memories that flash across Su-mi’s mind, a startling burst of fragments that puncture the film’s sedate rhythm. Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2025 The portrayal of Anxiety as a swirling hurricane of intrusive thoughts, self-doubt and misplaced intentions prompted a swift wave of approving reactions across the internet. Gloria L. Huang, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025 Lowering the boom on a local school board for failing to adhere to intrusive progressive mandates that are contrary to the best interest of its students would not be a good look for someone wishing to be president. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for intrusive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrusive
Adjective
  • This is a fail-proof choice when there’s no time for touchups during a busy evening event.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025
  • The legal service programs provide a help desk in busy immigration courtrooms including in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, basic legal information for individuals and families in detention facilities in 12 states and lawyers for minors, some of whom may be separated from their families.
    Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Switch 2's kickstand is a less obtrusive U-shaped stand that looks like it can be set at a wider range of angles than even the OLED Switch.
    Will Greenwald, PCMAG, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The fit is close but not suffocating; however, the ankle zippers were somewhat bulky and obtrusive.
    Mark Eller, Outside Online, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • There’s something officious about Alden Ehrenreich.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Jan. 2023
  • Her charming luxury treasure trove has none of that officious chilliness that defines the typical store of its ilk but instead feels like a brocanterie crammed with interesting, unexpected luxury goods from across the world.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • CenturyLink hasn't broken its annoying habit of leaving customers without service for weeks or months and repeatedly failing to show up for repair appointments.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 10 Feb. 2025
  • These evergreen monocultures, originally planted as lumber during the country’s postwar building boom, cause annoying seasonal allergies and dangerous erosion that leads to mudslides.
    Hannah Kirshner, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Much to his chagrin, his unnatural spawn makes for a meddlesome son.
    Courtney Howard, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Romano starred as the sitcom's titular character, Raymond Barone, an Italian sports columnist living in Long Island with his wife (Patricia Heaton), three kids and meddlesome parents right across the street.
    Joelle Goldstein, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near intrusive

Cite this Entry

“Intrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrusive. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intrusive

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