obnoxious

adjective

äb-ˈnäk-shəs How to pronounce obnoxious (audio)
Definition of obnoxiousnext
1
as in ugly
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment the obnoxious disc jockey caused many listeners to call the station with complaints

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in offensive
provoking or likely to provoke protest an obnoxious comment for which there should be an immediate apology

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 obnoxious Whether the actor is improvising or sticking closely to the script by Miles Hubley and Tommy White, Wilson’s talent and experience maintain the charm of a character who practically talks nonstop but in other hands could simply be obnoxious. — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026 Something specific that’s not too obnoxious and out of the box. — The Editors, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2026 Still, the constant death against even low-level grunt enemies, let alone fearsome bosses, is annoying and obnoxious. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 Thank goodness Angie Nixon is not an aggressively obnoxious member of the DSA (Democratic Socialists of America). — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obnoxious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obnoxious
  1. ugly
  2. offensive
  3. disgusting
  4. unacceptable
  5. awful
  6. unpleasant
  7. horrible
  8. objectionable
Adjective
  • The bad and ugly, though, has been a long list in years past, but especially in this season.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Hidden truths rear their ugly head, making for an increasingly tense triangle interaction.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of ugly
Adjective
  • With the Chiefs having the game in hand in the fourth quarter, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy approached head coach Andy Reid with a suggestion.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In his second game back from a hamstring injury, Caleb continued to ride an offensive groove, throwing for 308 yards (22-of-32) and two touchdowns.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of offensive
Adjective
  • Comparing the administration's fight to protect women and women's spaces from males to rape, is utterly disgusting and actually devalues those atrocities and crimes against actual women.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The squad has not been beefed up at all after a shameful and disgusting transfer window.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of disgusting
Adjective
  • Detection is no substitute for prevention, not when consequences are truly unacceptable.
    — Andrew Ginter, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The win won’t change what’s frankly been an unacceptable campaign for a program that was 18-1-4 just two seasons ago.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of unacceptable
Adjective
  • Jake Bauers has been awful for most of his career, but graduated in 2018 as a top-50 prospect.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Trailing 12-0 after its awful start, BC scored the next 14 points, jumping in front on McKenzie’s 11-yard score to Javarius Green.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of awful
Adjective
  • From a computational perspective, Friston argues, attempting to reduce uncertainty—basically, working to avoid unpleasant surprises—is the brain’s primary goal.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Adapted by Duffield and Daniel Kraus from Kraus’ 2023 novel, this spectacularly unpleasant underwater adventure delivers on its premise with effects that are graphic, fascinating, and occasionally beautiful.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of unpleasant
Adjective
  • There’s a big data center that just came to my community not long ago and their community engagement was horrible, absolutely horrible.
    — Dustin DeSoto, Vox, 16 Oct. 2026
  • After the third day of squirting an experimental drug up his nose, Dylan Meetze felt horrible.
    — Amy Maxmen, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • Kermode says that for a long time, Warner showed little interest in doing a proper restoration, as the material was still considered highly objectionable.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The judge also has noted that some of the objectionable stories cited by the DOJ do not have to do with national security.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of objectionable

Browse Nearby Words

obloquy
obnoxious
obnoxiously
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Cite this Entry

“Obnoxious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obnoxious. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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