Synonyms for

Meddling

Verb / ˈmedʌlɪŋ / / ˈmedlɪŋ / Another word for meddling — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to interfere in someone else's business or affairs without being asked or wanted

Synonyms & similar words

meddlesome officious tamper meddle tampering busy interfering busybodied interfere intrude intervene nose obtrude poke pry snoop spy interlope intermeddle tamper trespass

Synonyms by register

Formal

interfering intrusive officious obtrusive

Informal

butting in sticking one's nose in prying nosy

Literary

impertinent presumptuous uninvited

Antonyms

respectful noninterfering discreet hands-off uninvolved passive observant

Common collocations

  • meddling in
  • meddling with
  • meddling fool
  • meddling hands
  • meddling in affairs
  • meddling in politics
  • stop meddling

Word family

noun meddling
verb meddle
adjective meddlesome

Usage note

Meddling generally carries a negative connotation, implying unwanted interference. It is often used to describe someone who interferes in matters that do not concern them.

Example sentences

  1. Maria was always meddling in other people's business.
  2. If you keep meddling, you're going to get in trouble.
  3. My mom told me not to meddle in other people's problems.
  4. It's not your place to meddle in their relationship.
  5. The boss warned us not to meddle with the company's finances.

Quotes

  • The man who trusts men will make fewer mistakes than he who distrusts them.
  • Meddling: everything considered, it's probably better than doing nothing.
  • Meddling is just another word for good intentions.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words