Definition of officiousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective officious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of officious are impertinent, intrusive, meddlesome, and obtrusive. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying.

officious friends made the job harder

When is it sensible to use impertinent instead of officious?

The words impertinent and officious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

When can intrusive be used instead of officious?

Although the words intrusive and officious have much in common, intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

Where would meddlesome be a reasonable alternative to officious?

In some situations, the words meddlesome and officious are roughly equivalent. However, meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

When could obtrusive be used to replace officious?

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

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

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 officious There’s something officious about Alden Ehrenreich. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Jan. 2023 Her charming luxury treasure trove has none of that officious chilliness that defines the typical store of its ilk but instead feels like a brocanterie crammed with interesting, unexpected luxury goods from across the world. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2023 Cronenberg, in turn, has maintained a cool contempt for officious pundits and their agendas. Adam Nayman, The New Yorker, 3 June 2022 As her avenging brother, Laertes, the tenor David Butt Philip is ardent; as her officious father, Polonius, the tenor William Burden avoids caricature. New York Times, 15 May 2022 See All Example Sentences for officious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for officious
Adjective
  • Cohen said Humble Robotics is working to make cabless vehicles applicable to public roads, particularly those surrounding the busy ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • If there is a busy period during the day, let children know in advance and then follow through by setting aside time later to connect.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Where does personalisation become intrusive?
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Critics said at the time the inspections were not intrusive enough, and that the agreement was time-limited, rather than a permanent solution.
    Justin Fishel, ABC News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • That was a policy focus for the Biden administration that the Trump administration now seems to regard as a distraction raised by meddlesome states.
    Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 25 May 2026
  • God, would no one rid me of this meddlesome radiologist?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • The service Smart, knowledgable, and friendly without being obtrusive.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The big drawback is the fact that the machine is obtrusive, awkward, and decidedly unsexy.
    Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That particularly could be annoying to Uruguay supporters, given Messi’s stature in the sport overall and in particular with defending champion Argentina, La Celeste’s biggest rival.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
  • It’s widely considered rude and annoying when people cluster by the train doors if there are more people on the platform attempting to get on.
    Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Officious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/officious. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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