Definition of intrusivenext

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 No intrusive blood samples will need to be taken, and the fluorescence signal will continue for as long as the inflammation lasts. New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2026 His intrusive thoughts didn't end there, according to the actor. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 Those flickers or flashes were used to show intrusive thoughts or moments of wonder. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026 Washington seemed less heavy-handed and intrusive. Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intrusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrusive
Adjective
  • China has been particularly busy, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ireland's Prime Minister Michael Martin, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Starmer all visiting Beijing this month.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2026
  • But Greenstein says that keeping your child’s favorite toys handy in one spot around the home where kids feel comfortable and safe can give busy parents some time (even if just a few minutes) to call a friend, make a cup of coffee, take that shower, or even do a quick workout routine.
    Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • One setback of leather sofas can be their visual weight—a design term tossed around to describe how large pieces can feel overwhelming or obtrusive without the right styling.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2026
  • There’s a fine line between obtrusive service, with servers buzzing like flies around the table, and inattentive service.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The former is the nerdier, more officious type in his bow tie and sport coat, the latter more rakish, a one-time rabble rouser who’s just happy to have something interesting to do.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Fast & Furious is notable for adding the character Gisele (Gal Gadot) and smaller players like Shea Whigham's officious Stasiak.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Garlic supplements and dietary garlic can have health benefits, and a few annoying side effects, like bad breath and stomach upset.
    Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Patriots’ fans view Sunday as an annoying calisthenic, if not a joke.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The fact is, in a newsroom full of meddlesome, sometimes pushy people, Beverly was none of that.
    Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The special ops unit chases every lead possible, from bribes to Mexican drug cartels, a meddlesome L.A. District Attorney (Merrick McCartha) and corruption in the government of Belarus.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrusive. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on intrusive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!