Dictionary
obtrusive
adjective ob·tru·sive \-ˈtrü-siv, -ziv\
: tending to bother people by appearing where you are not welcome or invited
: noticeable in an unpleasant or annoying way
Full Definition of OBTRUSIVE
1
a : forward in manner or conduct <obtrusive behavior> b : undesirably prominent
2
: thrust out : protruding <a sharp obtrusive edge>
— ob·tru·sive·ly adverb
— ob·tru·sive·ness noun
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First Known Use of OBTRUSIVE
1667
Related to OBTRUSIVE
- Synonyms
- busy, interfering, intruding, meddlesome, meddling, nosy (or nosey), intrusive, officious, presuming, presumptuous, protrusive, prying, pushing, pushy, snoopy
- Antonyms
- unobtrusive
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
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