Definition of officiousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective officious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of officious are impertinent, intrusive, meddlesome, and obtrusive. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying.

officious friends made the job harder

When is it sensible to use impertinent instead of officious?

The words impertinent and officious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

When can intrusive be used instead of officious?

Although the words intrusive and officious have much in common, intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

Where would meddlesome be a reasonable alternative to officious?

In some situations, the words meddlesome and officious are roughly equivalent. However, meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

When could obtrusive be used to replace officious?

The meanings of obtrusive and officious largely overlap; however, obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

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 officious 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 Cronenberg, in turn, has maintained a cool contempt for officious pundits and their agendas. Adam Nayman, The New Yorker, 3 June 2022 As her avenging brother, Laertes, the tenor David Butt Philip is ardent; as her officious father, Polonius, the tenor William Burden avoids caricature. New York Times, 15 May 2022 See All Example Sentences for officious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for officious
Adjective
  • The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest energy shipping corridors, has remained a focal point of tensions since fighting erupted between the United States, Israel and Iran earlier this year.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • With the bullpen overworked from a busy week — which featured a doubleheader Wednesday — manager Craig Counsell said Friday wasn’t the time to be aggressive.
    Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Endless house rules meant to address all of Zuri’s life-threatening allergies feel intrusive and strip away Layla’s autonomy.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 26 June 2026
  • This insatiable appetite frequently leads to leaks of sensitive personal records, malicious code injection and intrusive user profiling.
    Erin Mote, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • That was a policy focus for the Biden administration that the Trump administration now seems to regard as a distraction raised by meddlesome states.
    Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 25 May 2026
  • God, would no one rid me of this meddlesome radiologist?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • This new version of the 1080p streaming stick has a smaller design — both in terms of width and volume — so its less obtrusive in a TVs HDMI port.
    John Higgins, The Verge, 23 June 2026
  • The service Smart, knowledgable, and friendly without being obtrusive.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Scam texts are annoying for everyone.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • Others have blamed everything from feminism and long work commutes to annoying kiddy car seats.
    Tom Deignan, New York Daily News, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Officious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/officious. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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