Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective intrusive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intrusive are impertinent, meddlesome, obtrusive, and officious. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

When could impertinent be used to replace intrusive?

While the synonyms impertinent and intrusive are close in meaning, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

When is it sensible to use meddlesome instead of intrusive?

The synonyms meddlesome and intrusive are sometimes interchangeable, but meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

When is obtrusive a more appropriate choice than intrusive?

Although the words obtrusive and intrusive have much in common, obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

When might officious be a better fit than intrusive?

The meanings of officious and intrusive largely overlap; however, officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying.

officious friends made the job harder

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 intrusive The first phase of the grant will work to reform intrusive licensing and credentialing questions that probe into a medical professional's mental health conditions and their history of psychotherapy. Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2025 However, making that happen outside of its app store will require Google to take a page from Apple's playbook and flex its muscle in a way many Android users and developers could find intrusive. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2025 Desi has trouble falling asleep because of an endless cycle of intrusive thoughts about monsters. Sloane Crosley, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 Anyhow, Ben Stiller's fans are a little less intrusive. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 24 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intrusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrusive
Adjective
  • Panouses advises his clients to use intermediaries where possible and claim their prizes on busy news days, such as Election Day, to avoid coverage.
    Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
  • This ought to be enough to keep you busy for a little while.
    Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The exceptional service is jovial and slick, but never obtrusive.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The Fitbit Charge 6 has a similarly comfortable design, while the Oura Ring 4 is the least obtrusive of the bunch.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The former is the nerdier, more officious type in his bow tie and sport coat, the latter more rakish, a one-time rabble rouser who’s just happy to have something interesting to do.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Fast & Furious is notable for adding the character Gisele (Gal Gadot) and smaller players like Shea Whigham's officious Stasiak.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For those with allergies, these particles can be inhaled and trigger annoying symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Nadaly Cordless Vacuum Run the lightweight vacuum over hard floors and carpets to suck up dirt, dust, crumbs, and other debris — without an annoying cord to trail.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The special ops unit chases every lead possible, from bribes to Mexican drug cartels, a meddlesome L.A. District Attorney (Merrick McCartha) and corruption in the government of Belarus.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 June 2025
  • Also on deck for Lionsgate are Good Fortune starring Keanu Reeves as a meddlesome angel along with Seth Rogen and Aziz Ansar and Hunger Games helmer Francis Lawrence’s Stephen King adaptation, The Long Walk.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrusive. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intrusive

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