Definition of intrusivenext

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 They were informed that Closer, a French magazine, had published the intrusive photographs. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026 Ordinary Iranians objected to the country’s intrusive authoritarian system, an economy crippled by devastating international sanctions intended to coerce the regime to curb its nuclear program, and the mullahs’ preoccupation with international affairs. Richard Hall, Time, 28 Feb. 2026 Fleming’s sets feel like an interpretative dance-heavy trip through one person’s notes app list of intrusive thoughts. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2026 The statute also requires that the Pentagon have exhausted any alternative, less intrusive courses of action to mitigate the risk prior to making the supply chain risk finding. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intrusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrusive
Adjective
  • Some passengers have been arriving even earlier in Atlanta -- one of the world's busiest airports -- spooked about missing flights because of delays.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Mar. 2026
  • One of the busier zones was at the Boardwalk Shops entrance where dozens of people were seen lining up to receive their registration materials, maps and wine glasses.
    David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The big drawback is the fact that the machine is obtrusive, awkward, and decidedly unsexy.
    Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
  • There are multiple reasons for the growth, but a core one is offering a fitness tracker that is much less obtrusive than a smartwatch.
    John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Her Southern accent is slightly clipped and officious, the type of drawl that’s a stamp of a suburban upbringing.
    Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The former is the nerdier, more officious type in his bow tie and sport coat, the latter more rakish, a one-time rabble rouser who’s just happy to have something interesting to do.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Food allergy safety is now being treated as a pillar of hospitality, not an inconvenience or an annoying exception.
    K. H. Koehler, Ascend Agency, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Everybody’s a critic, and critics can be very annoying.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The fact is, in a newsroom full of meddlesome, sometimes pushy people, Beverly was none of that.
    Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The special ops unit chases every lead possible, from bribes to Mexican drug cartels, a meddlesome L.A. District Attorney (Merrick McCartha) and corruption in the government of Belarus.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrusive. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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