obtrusive

Examples

• All

• No fuss, no obtrusive clutter, or fine-art pretension.

  Fiction book (2002)

• "Good security doesn't have to be obtrusive," he said.

  Fiction book (1991)

• You know, this design is somewhat obtrusive, particularly when it's being used.

• Could you make your dining experience a little less obtrusive?

  Be Cool (2005)

• Teachers are concerned about assessment techniques that are obtrusive in the rehearsal setting.

  Academic text (2001)

• I figured anything else would be obtrusive when all the files are separated like this.

  Blog text (8)

• So without us being overly obtrusive, did you have any company that evening?

  The Burden of Nine Lives (2024)

• The camp and airstrip were obtrusive landmarks.

  Fiction book (2000)

• A new museum, storeroom complex, and facilities for researchers are nearing completion in a less obtrusive location under the ridge.

  Academic text (2006)

• Whatever cinematic influences he pulled from (Jacques Tati maybe?) didn't seem obtrusive or ostentatious.

  Blog text (1)

Synonyms

N

noticeable

vsobtrusive

65 3.2

Easy to see, hear, or recognize

is stronger implying unwelcome and drawing unwanted notice

C

conspicuous

vsobtrusive

55 5.1

Easy to see and notice because it stands out

focuses more on unwanted attention rather than mere visibility

I

intrusive

vsobtrusive

52 6.1

Entering where you are not wanted and disturbing someone's privacy

is about being seen rather than entering or disturbing someone's privacy

O

ostentatious

vsobtrusive

11 7.7

To show off very expensive things to attract attention

is unintentional and unwelcome attention rather than deliberate showiness

U

unsubtle

vsobtrusive

2 4.6

Showing ideas or feelings in a very obvious, not gentle way

is similar but adds the idea of causing unwelcome attention

S

sore-thumbish

vsobtrusive

• Informal

9.9

Looks out of place and stands out among similar things

is more about being very noticeable and sticking out than simple awkwardness

P

protrusive

vsobtrusive

7.6

Sticking out from a surface so it is noticed

is similar but also implies attracting unwanted attention visually

P

protruding

vsobtrusive

4.2

Sticking out from a surface like a nail or branch

is more about creating unwanted visual notice than physical extension

Antonyms

S

subtle

276 6.0

Not easy to notice or understand because it is small

D

discreet

115 5.8

Careful about what you say and do to avoid upsetting people or drawing attention

How Obtrusive

glaring

12 4.3

blatant

96 4.5

obtrusive

4 7.2

noticeable

65 3.2

inconspicuous

15 6.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology