INTRUSIVE Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

intrusive

adjective

in-ˈtrü-siv

Definition of intrusive

as in busy

thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited she's that proverbially intrusive neighbor who never knocks before coming in

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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 Even Karp’s more intelligible arguments are quickly trampled over as additional intrusive thoughts took the wheel. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 1 July 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 Before being diagnosed with OCD in the spring of 2024, Lederer had spent years believing many of her intrusive thoughts were uniquely hers. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 The challenge has been finding a monitoring method that can reliably reveal what is happening inside a reactor without becoming intrusive or technically impractical. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for intrusive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrusive

Adjective

The tribe wants to build a travel center on the land along a busy highway on Long Island.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Because Saturday is typically the busiest day for car sales, most dealerships remain open then and close on Sundays instead.

— Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026

Definition of busy

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

Definition of obtrusive

Adjective

This is a realm of exposition-heavy opening credits, relentlessly earwormy theme tunes, and heroes who, for no obvious reason, choose to hang out with cute/annoying [delete as appropriate] comedy sidekicks like Orko and Snarf.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026
This would have evoked annoying memories of the 0-0 draw against Morocco in 2022 and 1-1 draw with Russia in 2018 for Spain.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

The unit's playing time in those games had been limited by a combination of blowouts (wins and losses), minute restrictions (Aaron Gordon) and meddlesome minor injuries (Jamal Murray's ankle and shoulder).

— Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
Woody Johnson is known to be meddlesome, impatient and easily influenced by headlines.

— The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026

Definition of meddlesome

Browse Nearby Words

intrusion

intrusive

intrusiveness

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“Intrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrusive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of intrusive

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