INTRUSIVE Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of intrusive are impertinent , meddlesome , obtrusive , and officious . While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs. // tried to be helpful without being intrusive

Q: When could 'impertinent' be used to replace 'intrusive'?

While the synonyms impertinent and intrusive are close in meaning, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice. // resented their impertinent interference

Q: When is it sensible to use 'meddlesome' instead of 'intrusive'?

The synonyms meddlesome and intrusive are sometimes interchangeable, but meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs. // a meddlesome landlord

Q: When is 'obtrusive' a more appropriate choice than 'intrusive'?

Although the words obtrusive and intrusive have much in common, obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions. // expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

Q: When might 'officious' be a better fit than 'intrusive'?

The meanings of officious and intrusive largely overlap; however, officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying. // officious friends made the job harder

intrusive

adjective

in-ˈtrü-siv

Definition of intrusive next

as in busy

thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited she's that proverbially intrusive neighbor who never knocks before coming in

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective intrusive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intrusive are impertinent, meddlesome, obtrusive, and officious. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

When could impertinent be used to replace intrusive?

While the synonyms impertinent and intrusive are close in meaning, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

When is it sensible to use meddlesome instead of intrusive?

The synonyms meddlesome and intrusive are sometimes interchangeable, but meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

When is obtrusive a more appropriate choice than intrusive?

Although the words obtrusive and intrusive have much in common, obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

When might officious be a better fit than intrusive?

The meanings of officious and intrusive largely overlap; however, officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying.

officious friends made the job harder

Examples 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 intrusive Happy occasions are interrupted by intrusive thoughts as Mercury clashes with Saturn. —

USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024 People with higher risk scores can then be subject to what welfare recipients across the bloc have described as stressful and intrusive investigations, which can also involve their welfare payments being suspended. —

Morgan Meaker, WIRED, 16 Oct. 2024 For Sullivan, the intrusive thoughts only picked up steam with age. —

Erica Sloan, SELF, 2 Oct. 2024 Aim for a balance that keeps your brand top of mind without being intrusive. —

Kartik Jobanputra, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intrusive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrusive

Adjective

The park has been gradually reopening since July 2022, and weekends are busy enough that rangers urge visitors to make parking reservations at least a day ahead (details below).

Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
After a slow and frustrating start to the week missing out on Juan Soto and Fried, the Red Sox were busy on Wednesday.

Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024