obtrusive

adjective

ob·​tru·​sive əb-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce obtrusive (audio)
-ziv,
äb-
1
a
: forward in manner or conduct
obtrusive behavior
The waiter was attentive without being obtrusive.
b
: undesirably prominent
obtrusive TV commercials
2
: thrust out : protruding
a sharp obtrusive edge
obtrusively adverb
obtrusiveness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for obtrusive

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 obtrusive in a Sentence

The waiter was attentive without being obtrusive. We used less obtrusive colors in the bedrooms.
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.
The United States and Russia have learned how to successfully implement an obtrusive inspections regime from the New START Treaty, which limits the number of nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles each country can deploy. Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2022 But rest assured: Menstrual underwear is far sexier and less obtrusive than diapers. Gabrielle Kassel, Allure, 29 Sep. 2024 Upgrades were made throughout the back-of-house to improve systems and bring the building up to code, even cleverly using the new vertical atriums as shafts for a smoke exhaust system, for example, that eliminates the need for obtrusive and cumbersome ductwork. Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 Others have the obtrusive cups designed by Sony or Bose clamped to the sides of their heads like minimalist Mickey Mouse ears. Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for obtrusive 

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of obtrusive was in 1667

Dictionary Entries Near obtrusive

Cite this Entry

“Obtrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obtrusive. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

obtrusive

adjective
ob·​tru·​sive əb-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce obtrusive (audio)
äb-,
-ziv
: likely to obtrude
obtrusively adverb
obtrusiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on obtrusive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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