Definition

In a way that is very unpleasant or offensive to others.

Example

He spoke obnoxiously during the meeting, making everyone uncomfortable.

Conversation

Did you hear how he talked to the waiter last night?

Yeah, it was so rude and obnoxiously loud.

I can't believe he thought that was okay.

Right? It made everyone uncomfortable.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Obnoxiously → It is formed from "ob-" (meaning against) and "noxius" (from Latin, meaning harmful or hurtful) combined with the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "obnoxiously" means in a manner that is harmful or offensive, often to an extreme degree.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'against' ('ob-') something that is 'harmful' ('noxius') — that's why behaving obnoxiously means acting in a way that is very offensive.

Visually Confused Words