obtrusive

adjective ob·tru·sive \ əb-ˈtrü-siv , -ziv , äb- \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: obtrusive in a Sentence

Definition of obtrusive

1 a : forward in manner or conduct

obtrusive behavior

The waiter was attentive without being obtrusive.

b : undesirably prominent

obtrusive TV commercials

2 : thrust out : protruding

a sharp obtrusive edge

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obtrusively

adverb

—

obtrusiveness

noun

See obtrusive defined for English-language learners

See obtrusive defined for kids

Examples of obtrusive in a Sentence

The waiter was attentive without being obtrusive.
We used less obtrusive colors in the bedrooms.

Recent Examples of obtrusive from the Web

That is what Espinoza did after moving his crate from room to room, eventually settling on the bedroom as the least obtrusive spot.

— michelle higgins, sacbee, "Limit the impact that dogs, cats unleash on orderliness | The Sacramento Bee," 25 May 2018
Setting aside the ultra-luxurious trappings, the LS500 simply outperformed the Genesis in some respects — its radar cruise control and lane-keeping assist system, for example, were more effective and less obtrusive.

— daniel miller, latimes.com, "The Genesis G90 is a luxurious opening act for the new brand — and definitely not a Hyundai," 11 May 2018
The downside The engine’s stop-start or idle stop system, which shuts the power plant off when idling at stop signs and in traffic, is more obtrusive than the best competitors offer.

— mark phelan, Detroit Free Press, "2019 Volvo XC40 SUV has wireless phone charging, carryout bag hook," 23 May 2018
The Owl Car Cam isn't obtrusive and doesn't get in the way of my driving view, whereas some other dash cams can peek out under the rearview mirror due to their bulky designs.

— valentina palladino, Ars Technica, "Owl Car Cam review: A data-connected dash cam for car lovers," 19 Apr. 2018
On the inside the controls are easy to use and intuitive, the advanced safety assist systems aren’t obtrusive, and the overall layout is sleeker and sharper.

— robert duffer, chicagotribune.com, "Auto review: 2018 Hyundai Sonata competes on value," 7 Feb. 2018
Solid-state lidars are likely to be less obtrusive in consumer products than spinning lidar that has to stick up from the roof of the car to work well.

— timothy b. lee, Ars Technica, "Why spinning lidar sensors might be around for another decade," 7 May 2018
Many such people include those who worry that the aesthetics of the systems will be obtrusive to neighbors or detrimental to property values, Loomis said from his time on the board.

— sarah bowman, Indianapolis Star, "HOAs rain on homeowners' solar parade, residents' property rights," 18 Jan. 2018
The designers might also look for ways to make Fenner's rigging grow less rather than more obtrusive as the 90-minute show builds.

— tony adler, Chicago Reader, "Racism won’t even let the black hero of Hang Man masturbate in peace," 13 Mar. 2018

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

First Known Use of obtrusive

1667

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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obtrusive Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of obtrusive

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.