Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective meddlesome contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of meddlesome are impertinent, intrusive, obtrusive, and officious. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

When could impertinent be used to replace meddlesome?

Although the words impertinent and meddlesome have much in common, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

Where would intrusive be a reasonable alternative to meddlesome?

The synonyms intrusive and meddlesome are sometimes interchangeable, but intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

In what contexts can obtrusive take the place of meddlesome?

The meanings of obtrusive and meddlesome largely overlap; however, obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

When is officious a more appropriate choice than meddlesome?

In some situations, the words officious and meddlesome are roughly equivalent. However, officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying.

officious friends made the job harder

Examples 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 meddlesome Still, any route out of the crisis is unclear, with Bangladesh’s once meddlesome military today firmly in Hasina’s corner. Charlie Campbell, TIME, 25 July 2024 Imelda Staunton was creating a gold-standard portrait of the meddlesome fixer at the heart of the landmark musical Hello, Dolly! created by Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart from Thornton Wilder’s The Matchmaker. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 19 July 2024 This year, the Roth 401(k) option became more attractive by eliminating one meddlesome feature and offering greater flexibility in retirement. Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 19 July 2024 My favorite performance of the night was mezzo-soprano Emily Treigle as meddlesome maid Despina, rendered here as a lovably troublesome and vaguely goth pot-stirrer. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 22 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for meddlesome 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meddlesome
Adjective
  • In fact, the sales have been rolling in for days and our team has been busy parsing through the best of the best.
    Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 30 Nov. 2024
  • There’s no shame in starting small, especially now, when your schedule may be a little busier than usual.
    Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 30 Nov. 2024
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
  • These professionals can then take steps to brighten their mood without being intrusive.
    Jennifer C. Wolfe, Esq., Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • That, however, does little to dissuade nosy friends and family members from firing off intrusive questions.
    Angela Haupt, TIME, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • But there is one item on her bucket list that has been annoying elusive.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2024
  • But more recently there have been other issues, such as one that is highly annoying: vanishing data in the Apple Notes app.
    David Phelan, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near meddlesome

Cite this Entry

“Meddlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meddlesome. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on meddlesome

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