Definition of obtrusivenext

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 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 These people look for hearing aids that are the least obtrusive. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 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 The Fitbit Charge 6 has a similarly comfortable design, while the Oura Ring 4 is the least obtrusive of the bunch. PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obtrusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obtrusive
Adjective
  • The tribe wants to build a travel center on the land along a busy highway on Long Island.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Because Saturday is typically the busiest day for car sales, most dealerships remain open then and close on Sundays instead.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Even Karp’s more intelligible arguments are quickly trampled over as additional intrusive thoughts took the wheel.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 1 July 2026
  • Before being diagnosed with OCD in the spring of 2024, Lederer had spent years believing many of her intrusive thoughts were uniquely hers.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • This is a realm of exposition-heavy opening credits, relentlessly earwormy theme tunes, and heroes who, for no obvious reason, choose to hang out with cute/annoying [delete as appropriate] comedy sidekicks like Orko and Snarf.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026
  • This would have evoked annoying memories of the 0-0 draw against Morocco in 2022 and 1-1 draw with Russia in 2018 for Spain.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • Lee will play Maya, the officious Chief of Staff for the Governor of Oklahoma.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 May 2026
  • Her Southern accent is slightly clipped and officious, the type of drawl that’s a stamp of a suburban upbringing.
    Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obtrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obtrusive. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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