Definition of meddlesomenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective meddlesome contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of meddlesome are impertinent, intrusive, obtrusive, and officious. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

When could impertinent be used to replace meddlesome?

Although the words impertinent and meddlesome have much in common, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

Where would intrusive be a reasonable alternative to meddlesome?

The synonyms intrusive and meddlesome are sometimes interchangeable, but intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

In what contexts can obtrusive take the place of meddlesome?

The meanings of obtrusive and meddlesome largely overlap; however, obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

When is officious a more appropriate choice than meddlesome?

In some situations, the words officious and meddlesome are roughly equivalent. 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 meddlesome Also on deck for Lionsgate are Good Fortune starring Keanu Reeves as a meddlesome angel along with Seth Rogen and Aziz Ansar and Hunger Games helmer Francis Lawrence’s Stephen King adaptation, The Long Walk. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 17 June 2025 The new president, Karol Nawrocki, and his allies in the opposition Law and Justice party see the EU as a meddlesome bureaucracy, with a liberal agenda that threatens Polish sovereignty. Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 3 June 2025 The crisis involves a body and a ticking clock, as well as a zany, meddlesome doorman (Method Man, always welcome) added for good measure. Natalia Winkelman, New York Times, 22 May 2025 The more unified Ethiopia becomes, the less meddlesome outsiders will be able to exploit its divisions. Jeffrey Feltman, Foreign Affairs, 26 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for meddlesome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meddlesome
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
  • 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
  • Persistent bugs, performance issues, intrusive prompts, ads, and bloatware have eroded the core Windows experience.
    Tom Warren, The Verge, 29 Jan. 2026
  • While this alarmed some users, this type of intrusive data harvesting is common on social media apps.
    Bobby Allyn, NPR, 27 Jan. 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on meddlesome

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