Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective intrusive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intrusive are impertinent, meddlesome, obtrusive, and officious. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

When could impertinent be used to replace intrusive?

While the synonyms impertinent and intrusive are close in meaning, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

When is it sensible to use meddlesome instead of intrusive?

The synonyms meddlesome and intrusive are sometimes interchangeable, but meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

When is obtrusive a more appropriate choice than intrusive?

Although the words obtrusive and intrusive have much in common, obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

When might officious be a better fit than intrusive?

The meanings of officious and intrusive largely overlap; however, 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 intrusive His latest collaboration with Soderbergh, a cat-and-mouse story about a married pair of spies, is a throwback in many ways—but its observations about the intrusive nature of espionage work on their lives feel sharply contemporary. David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025 In Lou’s vision, the ongoing lockdown—the ubiquitous, harassing security forces, the intrusive I.D. checks and temperature readings, the pervasive information-gathering—comes off as both a symbol of a regime of surveillance and censorship and a relentless intensification of that system. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2025 There is a distance between a patient and a doctor or a nurse—there is an innate imbalance—and yet the procedures and conversations are deeply personal, even intrusive. Cressida Leyshon, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025 To stay ahead, businesses should explore how technology can enhance personalization without feeling intrusive. Heidi Grimwood, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intrusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrusive
Adjective
  • Half of the shark detections occurred during the day, a time when beaches are typically busy with human activity.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Life in Wheeling, which has on two separate occasions been the capital of West Virginia, was once quite busy.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These compact boxes are cheaper, less obtrusive, and easier to install, and analysts see a bright future for them.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2013
  • The Switch 2's kickstand is a less obtrusive U-shaped stand that looks like it can be set at a wider range of angles than even the OLED Switch.
    Will Greenwald, PCMAG, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • Frozen snack foods sold under Whole Foods Market’s 365 store brand got recalled nationwide for not being what the packaging says, an annoying mistake to some people but a possibly fatal one to other customers.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The Achilles — and any accompanying tendonitis — is the most annoying and concerning issue for a skill player who turns 29 in June.
    Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • With little more to do, Brett finds himself in constant ego clashes with his ex-wife Melissa’s (Nora Zehetner) meddlesome new husband, Connor (Josh Ventura).
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The Taliban face the poverty, internal strife, illicit crops, meddlesome neighbors, and threat of insurrections that are endemic to their country—and have proved the bane of all its rulers.
    Carter Malkasian, Foreign Affairs, 23 Aug. 2021

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Cite this Entry

“Intrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrusive. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intrusive

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