Definition of meddlesomenext

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
  • With busy schedules, sitting down to eat a meal as a family can be tricky and cause feelings of guilt.
    Dr. Sarah Kinsella, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Each carried one passenger in the back seat, all of them busy on their phones.
    Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Her Southern accent is slightly clipped and officious, the type of drawl that’s a stamp of a suburban upbringing.
    Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Practical, traditional and somewhat meddling, Aunt Maysilee places importance on societal norms.
    Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The LitterLens takes a less intrusive approach.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The family is close-knit, intrusive, rude and menacing.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Plenty of would-be heroes pass through the inn on their way to save the world, and Nell is responsible for keeping the place running, serving food, and making sure all those annoying questers don’t cause too much chaos.
    Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
  • As most Angelenos know, anti-aging efforts come in many annoying forms.
    Rebecca Leib, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Meddlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meddlesome. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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