Obtrusive: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something or someone is unpleasantly noticeable or stands out in a way that is not welcomed.

• The loud colors of the advertisement were obtrusive and clashed with the calm atmosphere of the park.
• Her obtrusive questions made everyone uncomfortable at the meeting.

Appropriate when describing someone or something that invades personal space or privacy without permission.

• The neighbor's intrusive behavior made it hard for us to have any privacy in our own backyard.
• He found the constant notifications from the smartphone app to be very intrusive.

Used in informal settings to describe someone who is aggressively pursuing their own agenda or trying to persuade others to do something.

• The salesperson was too pushy, trying to make me buy something I didn't need.
• She can be a bit pushy when it comes to getting what she wants.

Best used when someone is trying to dominate or control others in an unpleasant and forceful way.

• Her overbearing boss micromanaged every aspect of the project.
• His overbearing personality often pushed people away.

Use when indicating something or someone that stands out in a way that is unwelcome or intrusive. Often used in a negative context.

• His obtrusive behavior at the meeting annoyed everyone.
• The decorations were so obtrusive that they distracted from the ceremony.

Best for describing something or someone that is well-known or important in a positive or neutral context.

• She is a prominent figure in the scientific community.
• The sign was placed in a prominent location for everyone to see.

Appropriate for describing something that is easily seen or noticed, positive or neutral connotation.

• She wore a red dress that made her look conspicuous among the crowd.
• The error in the report was conspicuous and needed to be corrected immediately.

Used to describe someone or something that is extremely unpleasant or offensive, highly negative connotation.

• His obnoxious comments made the entire evening uncomfortable.
• The smell from the garbage was absolutely obnoxious.