Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective obtrusive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of obtrusive are impertinent, intrusive, meddlesome, and officious. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

When can impertinent be used instead of obtrusive?

The meanings of impertinent and obtrusive largely overlap; however, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

When would intrusive be a good substitute for obtrusive?

While in some cases nearly identical to obtrusive, intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

When is meddlesome a more appropriate choice than obtrusive?

The synonyms meddlesome and obtrusive are sometimes interchangeable, but meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

When might officious be a better fit than obtrusive?

The words officious and obtrusive can be used in similar contexts, but 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 obtrusive Way too obtrusive and distracting; a far cry from the very first Fox scorebug which was fairly innocuous in the upper corner of the screen. Mark Cooper, The Athletic, 10 Feb. 2025 Non-obtrusive, twice-daily housekeeping assures that guests can expect impeccably clean guestrooms. Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 The fit is close but not suffocating; however, the ankle zippers were somewhat bulky and obtrusive. Mark Eller, Outside Online, 11 Dec. 2024 Critiques of the building’s obtrusive architecture further strengthened the protestors’ case. Elizabeth Blackwell, Longreads, 14 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for obtrusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obtrusive
Adjective
  • As Lauryn was busy working at her warehouse alongside sister Jessica Shannon and her friend Paisley, June stopped by to inform them of her big plan.
    Dory Jackson, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • Despite the setback in Denver, the couple has been busy in the meantime.
    Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • For America to retain our status as the hub of the financial world, global investors need to know that dollars invested in U.S. financial institutions will not be subject to intrusive government regulation and taxation, and that their financial privacy will be protected.
    Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 19 June 2025
  • This precision timing enhances conversion rates and improves the customer experience, making interactions feel serendipitous rather than intrusive.
    Maria Youth, Forbes.com, 16 June 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
  • And the positivity surrounding it is annoying, including my own.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 20 June 2025
  • Each cup is made from a single piece of heavy-gauge stainless steel, so there are no annoying seams for flour or sugar to get stuck in.
    Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obtrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obtrusive. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obtrusive

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