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 Fans of Nabokov’s Pale Fire—another frame narrative with an intrusive footnoter—will appreciate the tension between the actual narrator, Emi, and the hijacker, Alexis. Nathan Jeffers, Hazlitt, 28 Feb. 2024 For a few days each February, NFL clubs gather in Indianapolis to assess players’ physical and mental fitness through a series of intrusive drills, exams, and interviews. Chris Deubert, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 The fingerless design and grippy texture allow for a full range of motion without being cumbersome or intrusive. Sarah Bradley, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2024 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

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 29 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!