OFFICIOUS Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'officious' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of officious are impertinent , intrusive , meddlesome , and obtrusive . While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying. // officious friends made the job harder

Q: When is it sensible to use 'impertinent' instead of 'officious'?

The words impertinent and officious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice. // resented their impertinent interference

Q: When can 'intrusive' be used instead of 'officious'?

Although the words intrusive and officious have much in common, intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs. // tried to be helpful without being intrusive

Q: Where would 'meddlesome' be a reasonable alternative to 'officious'?

In some situations, the words meddlesome and officious are roughly equivalent. However, meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs. // a meddlesome landlord

Q: When could 'obtrusive' be used to replace 'officious'?

The meanings of obtrusive and officious largely overlap; however, obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions. // expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

officious

adjective

ə-ˈfi-shəs

Definition of officious next

as in busy

thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited an officious little man who was always telling everyone else how to do their jobs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective officious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of officious are impertinent, intrusive, meddlesome, and obtrusive. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying.

officious friends made the job harder

When is it sensible to use impertinent instead of officious?

The words impertinent and officious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

When can intrusive be used instead of officious?

Although the words intrusive and officious have much in common, intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

Where would meddlesome be a reasonable alternative to officious?

In some situations, the words meddlesome and officious are roughly equivalent. However, meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

When could obtrusive be used to replace officious?

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

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

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 officious As her avenging brother, Laertes, the tenor David Butt Philip is ardent; as her officious father, Polonius, the tenor William Burden avoids caricature. —

New York Times, 15 May 2022 There's an officious young secretary, Ms. McCormack (Laurie Veldheer), to keep reminding him of that, but the thrust and parry of the fast-dancing dialogue is between Sam (huffy, preoccupied) and Karen (tizzying, agitated, eager to please). —

Leah Greenblatt, EW.com, 1 Apr. 2022 The soul of this community is local queen bee Sherry Conrad (Search Party alum Shalita Grant, the season’s MVP), an officious, controlling momfluencer with a knack for stealing the spotlight. —

Judy Berman, Time, 17 Oct. 2021 At his side is the officious Bev Keane (a chilling Samantha Sloyan, from Hill House), the prototypical timeless, ageless, practically bloodless church lady, dressed like an overgrown Girl Scout and always judging, scolding, guilting. —

Judy Berman, Time, 20 Sep. 2021 See all Example Sentences for officious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for officious

Adjective

This is a fail-proof choice when there’s no time for touchups during a busy evening event.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025
The legal service programs provide a help desk in busy immigration courtrooms including in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, basic legal information for individuals and families in detention facilities in 12 states and lawyers for minors, some of whom may be separated from their families.

— Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2025