OBTRUSIVE Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of obtrusive are impertinent , intrusive , meddlesome , and officious . While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions. // expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

Q: When can 'impertinent' be used instead of 'obtrusive'?

The meanings of impertinent and obtrusive largely overlap; however, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice. // resented their impertinent interference

Q: When would 'intrusive' be a good substitute for 'obtrusive'?

While in some cases nearly identical to obtrusive , intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs. // tried to be helpful without being intrusive

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

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

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

The words officious and obtrusive can be used in similar contexts, but officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying. // officious friends made the job harder

obtrusive

adjective

əb-ˈtrü-siv

Definition of obtrusive next

as in busy

thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited meddling in other people's romantic lives is both obtrusive and presumptuous

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective obtrusive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of obtrusive are impertinent, intrusive, meddlesome, and officious. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

When can impertinent be used instead of obtrusive?

The meanings of impertinent and obtrusive largely overlap; however, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

When would intrusive be a good substitute for obtrusive?

While in some cases nearly identical to obtrusive, intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

When is meddlesome a more appropriate choice than obtrusive?

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

a meddlesome landlord

When might officious be a better fit than obtrusive?

The words officious and obtrusive can be used in similar contexts, but 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 obtrusive 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 See all Example Sentences for obtrusive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obtrusive

Adjective

While Musk was busy rubbing elbows with other billionaires at the event — namely, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Bezos' fiancée, Lauren Sanchez — all eyes were on Musk and Zilis' interaction, as the two keep their exact relationship status private.

— Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Zoom in: In December, Indianapolis International Airport announced that more than 10 million people traveled through the airport in 2024, a new record. More than 2.8 million people flew through the Indy airport in June, July and August, marking the busiest summer in the airport's history.

— Justin L. Mack, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025