pushy

[ poosh-ee ]

adjective

, Informal.

, push·i·er, push·i·est.

1. obnoxiously forward or self-assertive.

   Synonyms: cheeky, brash, brazen

pushy

/ ˈpʊʃɪ /

adjective

1. offensively assertive or forceful
2. aggressively or ruthlessly ambitious

Derived Forms

• ˈpushiness, noun
• ˈpushily, adverb

Other Words From

• pushi·ly adverb
• pushi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pushy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40; push + -y ¹

Example Sentences

It is also clear to people from other cultures that Americans can be relatively loud, expect things to be given to them, and are pushy and individualistic.

From Salon

"The guy was quite abrupt, quite pushy, quite rude."

From BBC

It allowed me to show something that is not forced, or pushy, or, “Hey, I’m charming.”

From Salon

Jennifer Morse, medical director at the Mid-Michigan District Health Department, conceded that relying on owners raises the risk cases will be missed, but that being too pushy could reignite a backlash against public health.

From Salon

Some BBC staff members had accused Edwards of sending them flirtatious and "pushy" private messages, and one said he was treated "like this God of news" who was "allowed to feel like he could get away with anything".

From BBC

Related Words

• ambitious
• assertive
• brash
• obnoxious
• presumptuous