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 couple cited the intrusive U.K. press and a lack of support from the palace as their reasons for the move. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025 For some, that same gesture can feel intrusive – even jarring. Brian N. Chin, The Conversation, 16 May 2025 This isn’t productive reflection, but rather intrusive thoughts disrupting your rest. Dr. Samanta Dall’agnese, CNBC, 13 May 2025 Self-regulation can promote efficiency, improve compliance and even reduce the need for more intrusive government oversight. Eric Reicin, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for intrusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrusive
Adjective
  • April Kiser, a spokesperson for Arkansas State Parks, said Memorial Day weekend is a particularly busy time for state parks.
    Amir Mahmoud, Arkansas Online, 23 May 2025
  • Even though weather forecasts suggest the season may not be as busy as last year, experts said the public — especially those living near coastal areas of Florida and the United States — should remain vigilant.
    Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • There’s something officious about Alden Ehrenreich.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Jan. 2023
  • Her charming luxury treasure trove has none of that officious chilliness that defines the typical store of its ilk but instead feels like a brocanterie crammed with interesting, unexpected luxury goods from across the world.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • While the wrinkling could be slightly annoying for some, given the luxurious feel of the sateen cover, the wrinkling wasn’t a deal breaker.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
  • For anyone with wide feet who’s used to settling for less in terms of fit, this slip-on style is a breath of fresh air—no annoying break-in period, no hotspots, and no slipping around.
    Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • The crisis involves a body and a ticking clock, as well as a zany, meddlesome doorman (Method Man, always welcome) added for good measure.
    Natalia Winkelman, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • Estimating where exactly competing clubs will rank for the coefficient element is a meddlesome task, not least because only 16 clubs have so far confirmed their place for next season.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrusive. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intrusive

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