obtrusive

adjective

ob·​tru·​sive əb-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce obtrusive (audio)
-ziv,
äb-
1
a
: forward in manner or conduct
obtrusive behavior
The waiter was attentive without being obtrusive.
b
: undesirably prominent
obtrusive TV commercials
2
: thrust out : protruding
a sharp obtrusive edge
obtrusively adverb
obtrusiveness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for obtrusive

impertinent, officious, meddlesome, intrusive, obtrusive mean given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others.

impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying.

officious friends made the job harder

meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

Examples of obtrusive in a Sentence

The waiter was attentive without being obtrusive. We used less obtrusive colors in the bedrooms.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Standing along the back wall in the Philadelphia Flyers dressing room after the game, surrounded by reporters with their obtrusive cellphone recorders just inches from his face and television cameras with their lights turned up brighter than necessary, Brink subtly, but noticeably, trembles. Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025 Crisp acidity and non-obtrusive tannins that add a distinct but flexible structure. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 Crisp acidity; firm though non-obtrusive tannins. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 Way too obtrusive and distracting; a far cry from the very first Fox scorebug which was fairly innocuous in the upper corner of the screen. Mark Cooper, The Athletic, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obtrusive

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of obtrusive was in 1667

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obtrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obtrusive. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

obtrusive

adjective
ob·​tru·​sive əb-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce obtrusive (audio)
äb-,
-ziv
: likely to obtrude
obtrusively adverb
obtrusiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on obtrusive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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