pushy

[poosh-ee]

adjective

Informal.

pushier, pushiest 

1. obnoxiously forward or self-assertive.

   Synonyms: cheeky, brash, brazen

pushy

/ ˈpʊʃɪ /

adjective

1. offensively assertive or forceful

2. aggressively or ruthlessly ambitious

Other Word Forms

• pushily adverb
• pushiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pushy¹

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

Example Sentences

“They don’t necessarily like him, because he can be difficult to work with and very, very demanding, very pushy.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A parliamentary colleague complained he was "pushy" on the climate, and his big ambitions as minister were cut short when Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine sent energy prices soaring.

Read more on BBC

“It just needed a push, and I’m pushy enough to say, ‘OK, let’s do this program in both ends of the hemisphere,’” she said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Mahnoor said her parents had been very supportive and that the stereotype of parents of their heritage being pushy was "false".

Read more on BBC

Most of the guys on the apps were pushy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ambitious 
• assertive 
• brash 
• obnoxious 
• presumptuous 

When To Use

What does pushy mean?

Pushy is used to describe a person who is considered too aggressive, forceful, or assertive.People described as pushy are typically those who try to get others to do what they want or agree with them by demanding or just continuing to ask. In other words, a pushy person is someone who pushes other people to do things. A salesperson who follows you around and pressures you to buy can be called pushy. A friend who insists on getting their way can be called pushy.Pushy is always used in a negative way. Calling someone pushy implies that their behavior annoys or offends you due to being overly aggressive.The adverb form of pushy is pushily, as in The trainer very pushily insisted that I upgrade to the platinum gym membership. Much less commonly, pushy can be used in situations that involve literal pushing or shoving, as in If you stand in the front row at the concert, be careful—things tend to get a bit pushy. Example: My roommate is so pushy—she never even lets me decide where to order from when we get takeout.