obtrusive

adjective

ob·​tru·​sive əb-ˈtrü-siv 

-ziv,

äb-

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

obtrusively adverb

obtrusiveness noun

Synonyms

• busy
• intrusive
• intruding
• officious
• annoying

Choose the Right Synonym for 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.

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 obtrusive in a Sentence

The waiter was attentive without being obtrusive.

We used less obtrusive colors in the bedrooms.

Recent Examples on the Web

In February, commissioners tabled a vote on the rezoning to give the builder time to revamp its plans after neighbors complained the development would be too obtrusive. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2025

Standing along the back wall in the Philadelphia Flyers dressing room after the game, surrounded by reporters with their obtrusive cellphone recorders just inches from his face and television cameras with their lights turned up brighter than necessary, Brink subtly, but noticeably, trembles. —Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025

Crisp acidity and non-obtrusive tannins that add a distinct but flexible structure. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

Crisp acidity; firm though non-obtrusive tannins. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for obtrusive

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

Kids Definition

obtrusive

adjective

ob·​tru·​sive əb-ˈtrü-siv 

äb-,

-ziv

: likely to obtrude

obtrusively adverb

obtrusiveness noun