Synonyms of intrusive

intrusive

adjective

in-ˈtrü-siv 

as in busy

thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited

she's that proverbially intrusive neighbor who never knocks before coming in

Synonyms & Similar Words

• busy
• intruding
• obtrusive
• officious
• annoying
• meddlesome
• interfering
• pushy
• meddling
• nosy
• rude
• presumptuous
• prying
• protrusive
• snoopy
• pushing
• presuming
• insolent
• impudent
• brazen
• bumptious
• invading
• curious
• impertinent
• trespassing
• inquisitive
• overbearing
• harassing
• bold
• pestiferous
• superserviceable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unobtrusive
• silent
• withdrawn
• uninvolved
• quiet
• reticent
• reclusive
• restrained
• hands-off
• reserved
• taciturn
• subdued
• retiring
• inhibited

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

Recent Examples of intrusive

Those flickers or flashes were used to show intrusive thoughts or moments of wonder. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026

Washington seemed less heavy-handed and intrusive. —Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026

In the past, Mia had suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder and intrusive, distressing thoughts. —Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026

For some reason, the idea of bone-on-bone, unscrewing the top of my skull was an intrusive thought that disturbed me for days. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 Dec. 2025