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

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 Bunn said that Iran was less likely to sign an agreement involving intrusive inspections of its nuclear program if Saudi Arabia was also not committing to such agreements. — Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 22 July 2026 Straight Pop If there were any rules left in rap music, then the last few years of intrusive thought rap to come out of Atlanta and the larger Georgia area did away with them altogether. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026 Over the past month, more than 900 people signed an online petition condemning the project as too big and intrusive for the nearby area. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2026 Others take a broader approach, measuring a wider range of difficult experiences that occur during or after meditation practice, including intrusive memories and lasting emotional distress. — Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for intrusive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrusive

Adjective

India’s busiest wedding and festive season typically runs from October to April, timed with auspicious dates and favorable weather.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
The model and entrepreneur has spent years of her extremely busy life rebranding flip-flops from beach-only footwear to a gleaming symbol of elevated personal style.

— Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 30 July 2026

Definition of busy

Adjective

This new version of the 1080p streaming stick has a smaller design — both in terms of width and volume — so its less obtrusive in a TVs HDMI port.

— John Higgins, The Verge, 23 June 2026
The service Smart, knowledgable, and friendly without being obtrusive.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

Definition of obtrusive

Adjective

Ambivalent about leaving Wisconsin, Caroline is befriended by the officious Jemma James (Mary Holland), whose husband, Eli (Michael Hough), is a railroad man.

— Judy Berman, Time, 9 July 2026
The former is heralded with a blast of horns; the latter guards its inner sanctum behind Tobie Windham’s officious sentry.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of officious

Adjective

The Greek myths are rife with petty and meddlesome deities squabbling, playing favorites, punishing harshly, and otherwise wreaking havoc on the lives of mortal men.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 July 2026
The unit's playing time in those games had been limited by a combination of blowouts (wins and losses), minute restrictions (Aaron Gordon) and meddlesome minor injuries (Jamal Murray's ankle and shoulder).

— Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026

Definition of meddlesome

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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 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of intrusive

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