obtrusive
adjective
Synonyms
- busy
- interfering
- intruding
- intrusive
- meddlesome
- meddling
- nosy
- nosey
- officious
- presuming
- presumptuous
- protrusive
- prying
- pushing
- pushy
- snoopy
Example Sentences
Lydia Belanger, Fortune, 28 July 2022 As someone who lands midfoot to forefoot, the additional drop was noticeable, but not in an obtrusive way. Cory Smith, Outside Online, 15 June 2022 Her origins finally emerged in a 2017 Hollywood Reporter exposé, whose raw material the series relays through obtrusive mock interviews with characters, many of them renamed, lightly fictionalized versions of real people. James Poniewozik, New York Times, 30 May 2022 To its supporters, the system is a more effective and less obtrusive alternative to the age-old metal detector, making events both safer and more pleasant to attend. Steven Zeitchik, Washington Post, 20 May 2022 The athletes don’t view the camera as obtrusive but something else entirely. oregonlive, 15 Apr. 2022 Surprisingly, the aesthetic incorporates a gas lamp fixture and does not look obtrusive. Will Townsend, Forbes, 12 Apr. 2022 However, the project, now in its second year, also shows the value of monuments that are more obtrusive and durable. Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022 But rest assured: Menstrual underwear is far sexier and less obtrusive than diapers. De Elizabeth, Allure, 5 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
obtrusive
adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- intruding
- busy
- intrusive
- annoying
- officious
- interfering
- meddlesome
- pushy
- meddling
- nosy
- prying
- rude
- presumptuous
- pushing
- protrusive
- trespassing
- snoopy
- nosey
- presuming
- bumptious
- impudent
- brazen
- insolent
- invading
- curious
- overbearing
- impertinent
- inquisitive
- bold
- harassing
- pestiferous
- superserviceable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unobtrusive
- silent
- uninvolved
- withdrawn
- quiet
- reticent
- restrained
- subdued
- reclusive
- taciturn
- retiring
- reserved
- hands-off
- inhibited
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of obtrusive are impertinent, intrusive, meddlesome, and officious. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.
The meanings of impertinent and obtrusive largely overlap; however, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.
While in some cases nearly identical to obtrusive, intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.
The synonyms meddlesome and obtrusive are sometimes interchangeable, but meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.
The words officious and obtrusive can be used in similar contexts, but officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying.