unobtrusive

adjective

un·​ob·​tru·​sive ˌən-əb-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce unobtrusive (audio)
-ziv
: not obtrusive : not blatant, arresting, or aggressive : inconspicuous
unobtrusively adverb
unobtrusiveness noun

Examples of unobtrusive in a Sentence

the notice that an 18% tip would be automatically added was so unobtrusive we almost didn't see it at the bottom of the menu
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.
This quiet, unobtrusive process pays deterrence dividends far beyond the individual case, as would-be felony shoplifters come to learn that the store deploys this technology and then decide against taking the risk in the first place. Freddy Kuo, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 Controlling and setting the movement is a simple matter: While the crown controls the minutes on both dials as well as the hours on the front dial, the hours on the secondary time zone are adjusted via an unobtrusive slider revealed when the case is disengaged from its carriage. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025 Ultimately, the future of self-checkout security lies in intelligent, unobtrusive fraud prevention—where AI works in the background to optimize security without creating unnecessary friction. Yevgeni Tsirulnik, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 The series expands the universe in a pleasant, mostly unobtrusive fashion, with one-off episodes and fun guest stars like Terry Crews, Embeth Davidtz, Anthony Edwards, and, in its best episode, Parker Posey and Jillian Bell. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unobtrusive

Word History

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unobtrusive was in 1743

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Cite this Entry

“Unobtrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unobtrusive. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

unobtrusive

adjective
un·​ob·​tru·​sive ˌən-əb-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce unobtrusive (audio)
-ziv
: not obtrusive or bold : inconspicuous
unobtrusively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unobtrusive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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