intrusive

adjective

in·​tru·​sive in-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce intrusive (audio)
-ziv
1
a
: characterized by intrusion
b
: intruding where one is not welcome or invited
2
a
: projecting inward
an intrusive arm of the sea
b(1)
of a rock : having been forced while in a plastic state into cavities or between layers
(2)
3
: having nothing that corresponds to a sound or letter in orthography or etymon
intrusive \t\ in \ˈmints\ for mince
intrusive noun
intrusively adverb
intrusiveness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for intrusive

impertinent, officious, meddlesome, intrusive, obtrusive mean given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others.

impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying.

officious friends made the job harder

meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

Examples of intrusive in a Sentence

a loud and intrusive person She tried to be helpful without being intrusive. Intrusive reporters disturbed their privacy.
Recent Examples on the Web And these new laws are even more intrusive and onerous than other rental laws — giving any rational property owner pause before renting their property. Melissa Melendez, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2024 Opponents of the plan say alternatives along existing roadways would be far less intrusive, noting the proposal traverses sensitive wilderness and wetland areas and critical dunes. Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press, 6 Feb. 2024 Greenhill, of Tri Star Sports & Entertainment, is best known for working with Britney Spears’ father to oversee the singer’s conservatorship; Britney Spears accused Greenhill of intrusive surveillance. August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2024 This not only fortifies the privacy of individuals against intrusive online tracking but also challenges corporations to reconsider their approaches to user identification. David Balaban, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024 Everyday people who hard-launch a relationship on social media or share a mushy post about their significant other should brace themselves for unwanted comments and intrusive questions from everyone including disapproving relatives, envious exes and judgmental acquaintances. USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024 This intrusive software takes over your browser settings, but the good news is they can be defeated. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2024 But Winehouse struggled with addiction and her success brought with it intrusive media attention on her personal life. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Feb. 2024 The extension displays intrusive or inappropriate ads that cover the entire browser window or redirect you to phishing or malware sites. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intrusive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of intrusive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near intrusive

Cite this Entry

“Intrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrusive. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

intrusive

adjective
in·​tru·​sive in-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce intrusive (audio)
-ziv
1
a
: characterized by intrusion
intrusive memories
b
: intruding where one is not welcome or invited
intrusive neighbors
2
: having been forced while in a melted state into cavities or between layers
intrusive rocks
intrusive noun
intrusively adverb
intrusiveness noun

Legal Definition

intrusive

adjective
in·​tru·​sive in-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce intrusive (audio)
: characterized by intrusion
intrusively adverb
intrusiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on intrusive

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