Search Dictionary
Definition of obnoxious

obnoxious

/əbˈnɑːk.ʃəs/
ob · nox · ious
Adverb:obnoxiously
JUMP TO:

obnoxious Lexical Profile

obnoxious Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Extremely unpleasant, offensive, or annoying in a way that provokes strong dislike or irritation.

Example

"The restaurant manager politely asked the obnoxious patron to lower his voice and stop disturbing the other diners."

2

(archaic) Exposed or liable to harm, injury, or evil; vulnerable.

Example

"Coastal settlements along the low-lying peninsula remained obnoxious to sudden seasonal flooding."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for obnoxious
Antonyms
View all antonyms for obnoxious

• Rhymes for obnoxious

• Nearby Words

obliviously
obliviousness
oblong
obnoxious
obnoxiously
obnoxiousness
oboe

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin obnoxius, originally meaning 'exposed to harm or danger' or 'liable to punishment,' from ob- ('against' or 'toward') and noxa ('harm' or 'injury'). By the late 17th century, the meaning shifted from being vulnerable to harm to being offensive and causing annoyance to others.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Obnoxious. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/obnoxious
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.