intrusive

adjective in·tru·sive \ in-ˈtrü-siv , -ziv \

Definition of intrusive

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) :plutonic

3 :having nothing that corresponds to a sound or letter in orthography or etymon

intrusive \t\ in \ˈmints\ for mince

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intrusive

noun

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intrusively

adverb

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intrusiveness

noun

See intrusive defined for English-language learners

See intrusive defined for kids

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 of intrusive from the Web

At a much slower pace, the fuel-saving skip-shift algorithm that forces an upshift from first to fourth gear during tepid acceleration is more pronounced and intrusive here than in any recent GM vehicle, Corvette included.

— josh jacquot, Car and Driver, "2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS," 19 July 2017
The only intrusive part about the whole process is having to wear a set of plastic guides around each ear—which look a little bit like hollow headphones—and having to sit still for 10 minutes.

— mark walton, Ars Technica, "Custom fit earphones: Audio nirvana or a waste of money?," 18 July 2017
These are nonrude ways to answer an intrusive query.

— amy dickinson, chicagotribune.com, "Hikers encounter trail of rudeness," 16 July 2017
These are non-rude ways to answer an intrusive query.

— amy dickinson, Detroit Free Press, "Hikers encounter trail of rudeness," 15 July 2017
Pruitt, 49, sees himself as a champion of states' rights, pressing to diminish the intrusive authority of an overbearing federal agency.

— Alaska Dispatch News, "Counseled by industry, not staff, EPA chief is off to a blazing start," 2 July 2017
Mr. Pruitt, 49, sees himself as a champion of states’ rights, pressing to diminish the intrusive authority of an overbearing federal agency.

— coral davenport, New York Times, "Counseled by Industry, Not Staff, E.P.A. Chief Is Off to a Blazing Start," 1 July 2017
Most of these devices are no more intrusive than a wristwatch.

— kim komando, Fox News, "Tech Q&A: Apple Pay, Craigslist alternatives, Facebook quizzes and more," 24 June 2017
No one wants to face involuntary manslaughter, so the evening becomes a nightmare of a corpse, intrusive neighbors and snooping law enforcement.

— jon niccum, kansascity.com, "Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon and cast mates know how to party in ‘Rough Night’," 15 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intrusive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of intrusive

15th century

intrusive Synonyms

Synonyms

busy, interfering, intruding, meddlesome, meddling, nosy (or nosey), obtrusive, officious, presuming, presumptuous, protrusive, prying, pushing, pushy, snoopy

Antonyms

unobtrusive

Related Words

bold, brazen, bumptious, impertinent, impudent, insolent, rude; invading, trespassing; curious, inquisitive; annoying, harassing, pestiferous; overbearing, superserviceable

Near Antonyms

hands-off; uninvolved; quiet, reclusive, reserved, reticent, retiring, silent, taciturn, withdrawn; inhibited, restrained, subdued

Synonym Discussion of 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.