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

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 meddlesome 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 The new president, Karol Nawrocki, and his allies in the opposition Law and Justice party see the EU as a meddlesome bureaucracy, with a liberal agenda that threatens Polish sovereignty. Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 3 June 2025 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 The more unified Ethiopia becomes, the less meddlesome outsiders will be able to exploit its divisions. Jeffrey Feltman, Foreign Affairs, 26 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for meddlesome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meddlesome
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 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
  • That’s why his firm offers privacy-first, non-intrusive monitoring — no screenshots, no keystroke logging — using only numerical signals to reveal productivity trends without invading personal privacy.
    Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The demands of having a security detail can feel intrusive, affecting not only her but also others in her family.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 8 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on meddlesome

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