INTRUDING Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

intruding 1 of 2

adjective

as in busy

thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited a relentlessly intruding child who likes to interrupt adult conversations simply to get attention

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

intruding

2 of 2

verb

present participle of intrude

as in interrupting

to cause a disruption in a conversation or discussion forgive me for intruding, but I think I know where that restaurant is

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in interfering

to interest oneself in what is not one's concern the story of a would-be matchmaker who intrudes into the lives of her friends

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of intruding

Verb

These luminous interludes also ease us into the memories of Jay’s father that keep intruding on his predicament. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026 The outstanding cinematography creates a shimmering and at times ethereal atmosphere without intruding on the characters. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 The direct address to the press comes after his predecessor Julian Nagelsmann faced intense scrutiny and criticism from media and former members of the national team, intruding into his private life while in the role. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 24 July 2026 India and China accused each other’s troops of constructing infrastructure and intruding into their respective territories. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026 The company's autonomous drones fire nets at intruding drones. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 21 July 2026 In ornamental beds, install cardboard rings under the mulch around perennial or annual plants to stop weeds from intruding. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026 No employee can even contemplate intruding on her, much less with news like this. — Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 Still, real life also has a way of intruding. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 8 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intruding

Adjective

Elsewhere in the store, staff were busy stocking shelves, and most products were in plentiful supply.

— JOHN LEICESTER, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
Flynn shared concerns that a gate near Sheridan could back traffic up into a busy intersection at Quincy.

— Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of busy

Verb

Contentious debate The debate itself featured tense moments, with audience members interrupting both candidates and Harris engaging in a heated exchange with a woman in the crowd.

— Drew Aunkst, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
The first attempts at a foldable smartphone in the 2010s from other companies tended to be fragile and not all that useful, with a big, ugly crease in the center interrupting the experience.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of interrupting

Verb

Its inclusion in the documentary has provided ammunition for Musk supporters and his lawyers to discredit the film, pointing to an unfounded conspiracy theory about SpaceX’s Starlink satellites interfering in the election.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
The automakers also object to the government interfering in parts of the design that don’t improve the safety of the vehicle, saying a radio is different from seat belts and airbags.

— Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of interfering

Adjective

Encryption does not justify unnecessary collection, indefinite retention or intrusive profiling.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
The couple stepped back from royal duties that year, citing intrusive coverage by the British press and a lack of support from the palace.

— Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of intrusive

Verb

An alcoholic drink will give you a buzz, but if someone laced it with something dangerous, a new poison-snooping patch will buzz your skin to warn you.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026
Cady had injected some narcotic into a Georgia peach to knock Natalie out ahead of his confrontation with Crystal on the houseboat, but Ray snooping around on the Bowdens’s behalf led to this deadly improvisation.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 10 July 2026