Synonyms of meddlesome

meddlesome

adjective

ˈme-dᵊl-səm 

as in busy

thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited

meddlesome neighbors kept asking the couple when they were going to have children

Synonyms & Similar Words

• busy
• officious
• meddling
• intruding
• intrusive
• annoying
• interfering
• nosy
• obtrusive
• nosey
• pushy
• presumptuous
• prying
• protrusive
• rude
• snoopy
• pushing
• impudent
• insolent
• bumptious
• presuming
• brazen
• impertinent
• curious
• invading
• inquisitive
• trespassing
• overbearing
• pestiferous
• harassing
• bold
• superserviceable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unobtrusive
• uninvolved
• silent
• withdrawn
• quiet
• reclusive
• reticent
• hands-off
• taciturn
• restrained
• reserved
• inhibited
• retiring
• subdued

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective meddlesome contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of meddlesome are impertinent, intrusive, obtrusive, and officious. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

When could impertinent be used to replace meddlesome?

Although the words impertinent and meddlesome have much in common, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

Where would intrusive be a reasonable alternative to meddlesome?

The synonyms intrusive and meddlesome are sometimes interchangeable, but intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

In what contexts can obtrusive take the place of meddlesome?

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

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

When is officious a more appropriate choice than meddlesome?

In some situations, the words officious and meddlesome are roughly equivalent. However, officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying.

officious friends made the job harder

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of meddlesome

Her frugal immigrant parents bring their own food, and Nate’s meddlesome mom harangues her son about his career and her desperation for a grandchild. —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024

Trump no longer casts himself as a brash entrepreneur vexed by meddlesome government regulators but as a messianic strongman keen on maximizing state power to reshape American society, culture, and law. —Jon D. Michaels, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

The 12-team playoff isn’t even here yet, and already the meddlesome 11 are deciding how to reshape the playoff for the 2026 season. —Blake Toppmeyer, The Tennessean, 1 Mar. 2024

Their best interaction involves mutual commiseration about their fathers, one deeply meddlesome and the other emotionally absent. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 July 2024