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 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 Standing along the back wall in the Philadelphia Flyers dressing room after the game, surrounded by reporters with their obtrusive cellphone recorders just inches from his face and television cameras with their lights turned up brighter than necessary, Brink subtly, but noticeably, trembles. Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025 Crisp acidity and non-obtrusive tannins that add a distinct but flexible structure. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

“Obtrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obtrusive. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obtrusive

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