Obtrusive

Practice This Word

Noticeably forward or intrusive in a way that is unwelcome; tending to push itself into others' affairs or perceptions.

adjective

Obtrusive

Noticeably forward or intrusive in a way that is unwelcome; tending to push itself into others' affairs or perceptions.

adjective

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Imagine This

Picture a street vendor who stands right beside you, shouting about every product and stepping into your personal space. His constant, pushy presence makes you want to move away, even if you were just browsing.

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Sounds Like

uhb-TROO-siv

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Looks Like

Resembles 'intrusive' or 'conspicuous'; suggests something that stands out and interrupts attention

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Remember This

Obtrusive describes a behavior or object that aggressively draws attention or interruptions, unlike something subtle or unobtrusive. The word often carries a negative connotation.

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Other Forms

obtrusivenessnoun

obtrusivelyadverb

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Connect With

intrusive, conspicuous, pushy, invasive

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Note

Usually used to describe people, advertising, or architecture that intrudes on someone else's experience. Not the same as 'obstructive' in all contexts, though related; obtrusive focuses on intrusion into attention or space.

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Study Deeper

Examples

The salesperson's obtrusive approach turned potential customers away.
The neon advertisements were so obtrusive that they ruined the view of the historic building.

Synonyms

intrusiveconspicuouspushyunwelcomedforward

Antonyms

subtleunobtrusivelow-profile

Etymology

From Latin obtrudere, ob- meaning toward + trudere meaning to thrust; literally 'to thrust toward'.

Mnemonic

Think of obtrusive as obtrude-like: something that tends to thrust itself into your sight or attention. Obtrude = to thrust forward; obtrusive = likely to thrust itself forward.