MEDDLESOME Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'meddlesome' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of meddlesome are impertinent , intrusive , obtrusive , and officious . While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs. // a meddlesome landlord

Q: When could 'impertinent' be used to replace 'meddlesome'?

Although the words impertinent and meddlesome have much in common, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice. // resented their impertinent interference

Q: Where would 'intrusive' be a reasonable alternative to 'meddlesome'?

The synonyms intrusive and meddlesome are sometimes interchangeable, but intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs. // tried to be helpful without being intrusive

Q: In what contexts can 'obtrusive' take the place of 'meddlesome'?

The meanings of obtrusive and meddlesome largely overlap; however, obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions. // expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

Q: When is 'officious' a more appropriate choice than 'meddlesome'?

In some situations, the words officious and meddlesome are roughly equivalent. However, officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying. // officious friends made the job harder

meddlesome

adjective

ˈme-dᵊl-səm

Definition of meddlesome

as in busy

thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited meddlesome neighbors kept asking the couple when they were going to have children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective meddlesome contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of meddlesome are impertinent, intrusive, obtrusive, and officious. While all these words mean "given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others," meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs.

a meddlesome landlord

When could impertinent be used to replace meddlesome?

Although the words impertinent and meddlesome have much in common, impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice.

resented their impertinent interference

Where would intrusive be a reasonable alternative to meddlesome?

The synonyms intrusive and meddlesome are sometimes interchangeable, but intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs.

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

In what contexts can obtrusive take the place of meddlesome?

The meanings of obtrusive and meddlesome largely overlap; however, obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions.

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

When is officious a more appropriate choice than meddlesome?

In some situations, the words officious and meddlesome are roughly equivalent. However, officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying.

officious friends made the job harder

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 meddlesome Woody Johnson is known to be meddlesome, impatient and easily influenced by headlines. — The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026 The fact is, in a newsroom full of meddlesome, sometimes pushy people, Beverly was none of that. — Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025 But instead of meddlesome mamas making matches, the dating game now more closely resembles the stock market, with daters’ valuations charting up and down. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 15 June 2025 The more unified Ethiopia becomes, the less meddlesome outsiders will be able to exploit its divisions. — Jeffrey Feltman, Foreign Affairs, 26 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for meddlesome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for meddlesome

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

Adjective

Ambivalent about leaving Wisconsin, Caroline is befriended by the officious Jemma James (Mary Holland), whose husband, Eli (Michael Hough), is a railroad man.

— Judy Berman, Time, 9 July 2026
The former is heralded with a blast of horns; the latter guards its inner sanctum behind Tobie Windham’s officious sentry.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of officious

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

Adjective

McCartney said of his note to Mendes about the height imbalance, wondering how the director will rectify this annoying, historic aberration.

— Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
Something in your routine, schedule, or workload may feel disproportionately annoying or demanding, especially if too many little things pile up at once.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of annoying

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“Meddlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meddlesome. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of meddlesome

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