INTRUDING Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

intruding 1 of 2

adjective

as in busy

thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited a relentlessly intruding child who likes to interrupt adult conversations simply to get attention

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

intruding

2 of 2

verb

present participle of intrude

as in interrupting

to cause a disruption in a conversation or discussion forgive me for intruding, but I think I know where that restaurant is

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in interfering

to interest oneself in what is not one's concern the story of a would-be matchmaker who intrudes into the lives of her friends

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of intruding

Verb

The outstanding cinematography creates a shimmering and at times ethereal atmosphere without intruding on the characters. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 The direct address to the press comes after his predecessor Julian Nagelsmann faced intense scrutiny and criticism from media and former members of the national team, intruding into his private life while in the role. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 24 July 2026 India and China accused each other’s troops of constructing infrastructure and intruding into their respective territories. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026 The company's autonomous drones fire nets at intruding drones. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 21 July 2026 In ornamental beds, install cardboard rings under the mulch around perennial or annual plants to stop weeds from intruding. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026 No employee can even contemplate intruding on her, much less with news like this. — Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 Still, real life also has a way of intruding. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 8 June 2026 South Florida will have no way to send water to the ocean, and no way to stop salt water from intruding into its water supply. — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intruding

Adjective

Alex Steen’s first summer in the big chair was busy, but everything mostly made sense.

— Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Amenities and experiences Harmon Guest House smartly devotes most of its real estate to guest rooms, allowing for maximum comfort in a busy area.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of busy

Verb

In another fun moment, Reese was talking to the media after the tight win over Italy and Clark ducked past her, apologizing for interrupting her interviews.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
Gamers can quickly capture screenshots of 2D and 3D games on their primary monitor without interrupting the action.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of interrupting

Adjective

Most obviously, front and center, and in endlessly intrusive close-up, there’s Pattinson — who also serves as producer — playing the arrogant, fame-addicted, megalomaniac Hansen.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Jurors heard that after Callan’s birth, Clancy struggled with debilitating depression, sleep deprivation, intense anxiety, psychotic symptoms of dissociation, and intrusive thoughts about harming herself and the kids.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of intrusive

Verb

An alcoholic drink will give you a buzz, but if someone laced it with something dangerous, a new poison-snooping patch will buzz your skin to warn you.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026
Cady had injected some narcotic into a Georgia peach to knock Natalie out ahead of his confrontation with Crystal on the houseboat, but Ray snooping around on the Bowdens’s behalf led to this deadly improvisation.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 10 July 2026