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

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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

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 Ordinary Iranians objected to the country’s intrusive authoritarian system, an economy crippled by devastating international sanctions intended to coerce the regime to curb its nuclear program, and the mullahs’ preoccupation with international affairs. —

Richard Hall, Time, 28 Feb. 2026 Fleming’s sets feel like an interpretative dance-heavy trip through one person’s notes app list of intrusive thoughts. —

Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2026 Maybe there was closeness born of societal pressure to put on a good show for an intrusive world or to please a queen and prince. —

Geoffrey Greif, Baltimore Sun, 28 Feb. 2026 The statute also requires that the Pentagon have exhausted any alternative, less intrusive courses of action to mitigate the risk prior to making the supply chain risk finding. —

Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intrusive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrusive

Adjective

Jet fuel prices are rising as the war in the Middle East disrupts global oil supplies, putting cost pressure on airlines as the busy summer travel season approaches.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026
Ask the staff for a quieter room that ideally doesn’t face the main road; typical of the city, Admiralty Way is constantly busy, and in the rainy season heavy thunderstorms can be enough to wake one out of sleep—light sleepers will do well to pick a room that’s more internal.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Mar. 2026

Definition of busy

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intrusion

intrusive

intrusiveness

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“Intrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrusive. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 17 Mar 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of intrusive

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