Noxious vs. Obnoxious — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Noxious" refers to something harmful or toxic, often used in the context of chemicals or gases, while "obnoxious" describes extremely unpleasant behavior or offensive personalities.
Difference Between Noxious and Obnoxious
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Noxious pertains to substances or conditions that are physically harmful or poisonous to living beings, such as noxious fumes or plants. On the other hand, obnoxious is used to describe offensive and irritating behaviors or attitudes, typically in a social or interpersonal context.
The term "noxious" is often applied in environmental and health contexts, warning of dangers that can cause injury or disease. Whereas, "obnoxious" is more subjective and pertains to what is generally considered socially unacceptable or annoying.
Legally and medically, "noxious" substances may be regulated or identified as hazards that require specific handling or control measures. On the other hand, dealing with an obnoxious person involves social skills and personal tolerance, as it is not a matter of legal or health safety.
In literature and speech, "noxious" might be used metaphorically to describe something that is morally harmful or corrupting. On the other hand, "obnoxious" can be used to intensify descriptions of someone's particularly grating or egregious actions.
Noxious impacts are typically objective and measurable, such as the effect of noxious weeds on crop yields or noxious emissions on air quality. On the other hand, whether something is considered obnoxious can vary widely between cultures or individual perceptions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Harmful, poisonous
Extremely unpleasant, annoying
Contexts
Environmental, health
Social, interpersonal
Regulation
Often involves health and safety laws
Governed by social norms
Subjectivity
Generally objective
Highly subjective
Example Usage
Noxious chemicals in the workplace
Obnoxious behavior at a party
Compare with Definitions
Noxious
Harmful, poisonous.
The factory emitted noxious gases into the air.
Obnoxious
Describes someone or something that is bothersome in an offensive way.
The guest became obnoxious after too many drinks.
Noxious
Very unpleasant; physically harmful.
Weeds can be noxious to the health of garden plants.
Obnoxious
Excessively irritating or invasive.
Pop-up ads can be obnoxious when browsing websites.
Noxious
Injurious to physical or mental health.
Noxious ideas can spread as quickly as beneficial ones.
Obnoxious
Highly inappropriate or disagreeable.
He has an obnoxious sense of entitlement.
Noxious
Something detrimental to living things.
Noxious substances should be handled with care.
Obnoxious
Annoying or objectionable due to being a showoff or extremely unpleasant.
Her obnoxious habit of always interrupting others was frustrating.
Noxious
Capable of causing damage or harm.
The pond was filled with noxious bacteria.
Obnoxious
Extremely unpleasant or offensive.
His obnoxious laugh made her wince every time.
Noxious
Harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant
They were overcome by the noxious fumes
Obnoxious
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Noxious
Harmful to living things; injurious to health
Noxious chemical wastes.
Obnoxious
Extremely unpleasant
He found her son somewhat obnoxious
Obnoxious odours
Noxious
Harmful to the mind or morals; corrupting
Noxious ideas.
Obnoxious
Very annoying or objectionable; offensive or odious
"I know no method to secure the repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution" (Ulysses S. Grant).
Noxious
Harmful; injurious.
Obnoxious
(Archaic) Exposed or subject to harm, injury, or evil
"Those who are most obnoxious to punishment will flee from the country" (George Washington).
Noxious
Hurtful; harmful; baneful; pernicious; injurious; destructive; unwholesome; insalubrious; as, noxious air, food, or climate; pernicious; corrupting to morals; as, noxious practices or examples.
Too frequent an appearance in places of public resort is noxious to spiritual promotions.
Obnoxious
(Archaic) Deserving of or liable to censure.
Noxious
Guilty; criminal.
Those who are noxious in the eye of the law.
Obnoxious
Extremely offensive or unpleasant; very annoying, contemptible, or odious.
He was an especially obnoxious and detestable specimen of a man.
Throwing stones at the bus is another example of your obnoxious behaviour.
Noxious
Injurious to physical or mental health;
Noxious chemical wastes
Noxious ideas
Obnoxious
Exposed or vulnerable to something, especially harm or injury.
Obnoxious
(obsolete)
Obnoxious
Causing harm or injury; harmful, hurtful, injurious.
Obnoxious
Deserving of blame or punishment; blameworthy, guilty.
Obnoxious
Under the authority or power of someone; subject, subordinate; hence, deferential, submissive, subservient.
Obnoxious
Followed by to: likely to do something.
Obnoxious
Subject; liable; exposed; answerable; amenable; - with to.
The writings of lawyers, which are tied obnoxious to their particular laws.
Esteeming it more honorable to live on the public than to be obnoxious to any private purse.
Obnoxious, first or last,To basest things
Obnoxious
Liable to censure; exposed to punishment; reprehensible; blameworthy.
All are obnoxious, and this faulty land,Like fainting Hester, does before you standWatching your scepter.
Obnoxious
Very offensive; odious; hateful; as, an obnoxious statesman; a minister obnoxious to the Whigs.
Obnoxious
Causing disapproval or protest;
A vulgar and objectionable person
Common Curiosities
Are noxious substances regulated by law?
Yes, many noxious substances are subject to environmental and health regulations.
How does the impact of noxious differ from obnoxious?
"Noxious" impacts health and safety directly, while "obnoxious" impacts social comfort and interaction.
Is "obnoxious" ever used in a positive way?
Rarely, if ever; it's almost always negative.
How can one handle exposure to noxious substances?
Handling often requires safety measures like masks or ventilation.
What are typical reactions to obnoxious individuals?
Reactions can include avoidance, confrontation, or complaints to authorities in a group setting.
What does "noxious" imply in environmental terms?
It implies harmful effects to the environment, like pollution or toxic waste.
Can "obnoxious" describe physical harm?
No, "obnoxious" pertains to social annoyance or offensiveness, not physical harm.
Can "noxious" be used to describe people?
It's uncommon, but in a metaphorical sense, it can describe morally harmful actions.
Can an environment be obnoxious?
Yes, if the setting causes significant discomfort or irritation, it can be described as such.
Are there any synonyms for "noxious"?
Toxic, harmful, dangerous are some synonyms.
Are there any synonyms for "obnoxious"?
Annoying, disagreeable, offensive are similar terms.
Why might someone be considered obnoxious?
Due to behaviors that are considered extremely rude, loud, or inappropriate.
What kind of noxious agents are there in the workplace?
Chemical fumes, hazardous materials, and toxic dust can be workplace hazards.
How does culture influence what is considered obnoxious?
Cultural norms and values greatly influence perceptions of what behaviors are deemed obnoxious.
What might reduce the harmful effects of noxious substances?
Proper regulation, adequate safety protocols, and public awareness are key factors.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
