OBTRUSIVE Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of obtrusive are impertinent , intrusive , meddlesome , and officious . While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions. // expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

Q: When can 'impertinent' be used instead of 'obtrusive'?

The meanings of impertinent and obtrusive largely overlap; however, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice. // resented their impertinent interference

Q: When would 'intrusive' be a good substitute for 'obtrusive'?

While in some cases nearly identical to obtrusive , intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs. // tried to be helpful without being intrusive

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

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

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

The words officious and obtrusive can be used in similar contexts, but officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying. // officious friends made the job harder

obtrusive

adjective

əb-ˈtrü-siv

Definition of obtrusive next

as in busy

thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited meddling in other people's romantic lives is both obtrusive and presumptuous

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective obtrusive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of obtrusive are impertinent, intrusive, meddlesome, and officious. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

When can impertinent be used instead of obtrusive?

The meanings of impertinent and obtrusive largely overlap; however, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

When would intrusive be a good substitute for obtrusive?

While in some cases nearly identical to obtrusive, intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

When is meddlesome a more appropriate choice than obtrusive?

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

a meddlesome landlord

When might officious be a better fit than obtrusive?

The words officious and obtrusive can be used in similar contexts, but 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 obtrusive Because the external components are somewhat fragile and obtrusive, users have to take them off when swimming, sleeping, or engaging in rough-and-tumble activities such as sports. —

Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 19 July 2024 As noted, Ghostery also handles those obtrusive cookie-choice pop-ups for you and blocks ads, trackers, and fingerprinters. —

PCMAG, 24 June 2024 At the same time that mass surveillance is becoming less obtrusive, outright mass censorship, once a standby tool of repressive regimes worldwide, may have a more effective alternative thanks to analytics. —

Gregory Maus, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2015 At only 38 inches wide, less than eight inches tall, and just over eight inches deep, the Quilt indoor unit is much smaller than traditional mini-splits and can fit above a window to be less obtrusive in a room. —

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for obtrusive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obtrusive

Adjective

Editor’s Note: CNN’s 5 Things newsletter is your one-stop shop for the latest headlines and fascinating stories to start and end your busy day.

Daniel Wine, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Lines at downtown precincts were busy and people who have been inundated with out-of-town organizers and ads for months could be heard speculating about the results on their cellphones, anxious to see a conclusion to the contest.

Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024