intrusive

adjective

in·​tru·​sive in-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce intrusive (audio)
-ziv
Synonyms of intrusive
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 of intrusive

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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.
He was uncaught by any orthodoxy, would talk back to any authority, and often voiced the unwelcome but true intrusive thought. — Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Critics said at the time the inspections were not intrusive enough, and that the agreement was time-limited, rather than a permanent solution. — Justin Fishel, ABC News, 18 June 2026 Unfortunately, the problem is that the staff are probably being trained to participate in this intrusive banter. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 12 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for intrusive

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of intrusive was in 1647

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 10 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on intrusive

Nglish: Translation of intrusive for Spanish Speakers

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