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 Does the arch of the shoe feel supportive, or obtrusive? Hannah Dylan Pasternak, SELF, 11 Aug. 2025 For minimalists, a smaller organizer will be adequate and less obtrusive. Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025 In February, commissioners tabled a vote on the rezoning to give the builder time to revamp its plans after neighbors complained the development would be too obtrusive. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2025 However, the wearable technology of the day was clunky and obtrusive, and the emotion-recognition software was primitive. Nick Haber, IEEE Spectrum, 26 Mar. 2020 See All Example Sentences for obtrusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obtrusive
Adjective
  • Facebook users have mentioned that the restaurant is busy as customers are getting in their last few moments of home style Korean cooking.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Chanel rounded out a busy month of parties in New York to celebrate the launch of Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif, its new men’s fragrance that debuted in August.
    James Manso, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The combination of a superior product with less intrusive ads propelled Google to dizzying heights.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The perverse idea is that voluminous, intrusive rules and laws can replace human judgment.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 16 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
  • Having to spend your day punching up a crappy slide deck your colleague’s chatbot spit out is annoying, to be sure.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
  • His meme humor and utter dedication to that god-awful nickname should be annoying.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obtrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obtrusive. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obtrusive

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