intrusive

adjective

in·​tru·​sive in-ˈtrü-siv 

-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)

: plutonic

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

Synonyms

• busy
• intruding
• obtrusive
• officious
• annoying
• meddlesome

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

After the trauma has passed, people may feel stuck in a fight-or-flight pattern, dealing with symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative thinking, and changes in emotional reactions. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 16 July 2025

However, the data on Gen Z’s lukewarm reception shows that these features may actually feel more intrusive than helpful. —Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025

But the control wielded by the human is deeper, more intrusive. —Michael W. Clune, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025

After a horrifying deep-sea virtual reality experience sent Whoopi Goldberg tumbling to the ground in recent years, the EGOT-winning actress has once again sounded the alarm over the technological apocalypse — particularly intrusive artificial intelligence. —EW.com, 9 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for intrusive

• abusive
• allusive
• collusive
• conclusive
• conducive
• delusive
• diffusive
• elusive
• exclusive
• extrusive
• illusive
• inclusive

Kids Definition

intrusive

adjective

in·​tru·​sive in-ˈtrü-siv 

-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 

: characterized by intrusion

intrusively adverb

intrusiveness noun