addictive

adjective

ad·​dic·​tive ə-ˈdik-tiv How to pronounce addictive (audio)
a-
Synonyms of addictive
: causing or characterized by addiction
an addictive drug
an addictive personality

Synonyms of addictive

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Examples of addictive in a Sentence

highly addictive drugs like crack and heroin the addictive thrill of surfing
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The agency says nicotine is highly addictive and that more research is needed to understand the products' short- and long-term health effects. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Kohlrabi salad with an addictive umami truffle and yuzu dressing and a roasted local white fish might be lunch. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026 Social media giant Meta was hit with a class action lawsuit in Australia on behalf of children and teenagers who allegedly suffered harm over the addictive design features and exposure to harmful content on its platforms Facebook and Instagram. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 22 Oct. 2026 This fresh take supercharges the original’s signature mix of strategy and deception into an addictive experience built for today’s always-on audience. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for addictive

Word History

Etymology

addict entry 2 + -ive

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of addictive was in 1891

Rhymes for addictive

See All Rhymes for addictive

Browse Nearby Words

addiction
addictive
add-in
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Addictive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addictive. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

addictive

adjective
ad·​dic·​tive ə-ˈdik-tiv How to pronounce addictive (audio)
a-
: causing or characterized by addiction
an addictive drug
an addictive game

Medical Definition

addictive

adjective
ad·​dic·​tive ə-ˈdik-tiv How to pronounce addictive (audio)
: causing or characterized by addiction
addictive drugs

Legal Definition

addictive

adjective
ad·​dic·​tive ə-ˈdik-tiv How to pronounce addictive (audio)
: causing or characterized by addiction
addictive drugs
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