intrusive

adjective

in·​tru·​sive in-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce intrusive (audio)
-ziv
Synonyms of intrusivenext
1
a
: characterized by intrusion
b
: intruding where one is not welcome or invited
2
a
: projecting inward
an intrusive arm of the sea
b(1)
of a rock : having been forced while in a plastic state into cavities or between layers
(2)
: plutonic
3
: having nothing that corresponds to a sound or letter in orthography or etymon
intrusive \t\ in \ˈmints\ for mince
intrusive noun
intrusively adverb
intrusiveness noun

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for intrusive

impertinent, officious, meddlesome, intrusive, obtrusive mean given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others.

impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying.

officious friends made the job harder

meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

Examples of intrusive in a Sentence

a loud and intrusive person She tried to be helpful without being intrusive. Intrusive reporters disturbed their privacy.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Groups who may feel targeted by Trump rhetoric and policies – trans people, in particular, may feel less safe and fear intrusive inspections and questions at the border. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 These professionals will likely ask you about your personal and financial circumstances before entering an agreement, which might seem intrusive. — Kirk Pepi, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025 The season juxtaposes traditional Japanese aesthetics (wabi-sabi, mono no aware) with intrusive modernity. — Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 Some authors paint the media as an intrusive, uncouth pack of wolves. — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intrusive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of intrusive was in the 15th century

Rhymes for intrusive

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Browse Nearby Words

intrusion
intrusive
intrusive growth
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrusive. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

intrusive

adjective
in·​tru·​sive in-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce intrusive (audio)
-ziv
1
a
: characterized by intrusion
intrusive memories
b
: intruding where one is not welcome or invited
intrusive neighbors
2
: having been forced while in a melted state into cavities or between layers
intrusive rocks
intrusive noun
intrusively adverb
intrusiveness noun

Legal Definition

intrusive

adjective
in·​tru·​sive in-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce intrusive (audio)
: characterized by intrusion
intrusively adverb
intrusiveness noun

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