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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 intrusive Additionally, people can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can include intrusive thoughts and nightmares. —

Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 10 Jan. 2025 Governments in the global South often see these smaller organizations as less intrusive and more sympathetic to their concerns than global ones. —

Allison Carnegie, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024 Its browser extension and desktop application work together to shield your activity from trackers, block intrusive ads, and bypass geographic content restrictions. —

New Atlas, 7 Jan. 2025 It is characterized by intrusive symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts related to the trauma, along with emotional distress when exposed to reminders of the event. —

James Bickerton, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for intrusive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrusive

Adjective

While Musk was busy rubbing elbows with other billionaires at the event — namely, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Bezos' fiancée, Lauren Sanchez — all eyes were on Musk and Zilis' interaction, as the two keep their exact relationship status private.

— Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
What is the key to successfully managing you busy daily schedule?

— Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2025