intrusive

adjective

in·​tru·​sive in-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce intrusive (audio)
-ziv
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)
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
Choose the Right Synonym for intrusive

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 In addition to a safe, private online experience, this VPN travel router blocks those intrusive ads (even the YouTube ones) that slow down your browser. New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2024 The thrusters aboard the Starliner were test fired in space under more normal conditions and all operated properly, indicating the seals had returned to a less intrusive shape. William Harwood, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2024 The apps, disguised as file-sharing, astronomy, and cryptocurrency apps, hosted Mandrake, a family of highly intrusive malware that security firm Bitdefender called out in 2020. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 30 July 2024 Could the heartbeat indicators be deemed intrusive by viewers? Brian Steinberg, Variety, 25 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for intrusive 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intrusive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of intrusive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near intrusive

Cite this Entry

“Intrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrusive. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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