Definition of addictionnext
as in dependence
a physiological need for certain drugs an addiction to heroin

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of addiction The penalty, one of the largest ever levied against Meta or any other company, is the latest legal hit to the social media giant, which has grappled with lawsuits over allegations of social media addiction and child safety. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Meta, along with YouTube, also lost a case in March in Los Angeles brought by a young woman with similar addiction and harm claims. — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026 Vaughan Meyer is a philanthropist who has served many nonprofit boards in addition to holding a role as vice chair of Beit T’Shuvah, a local recovery and addiction treatment center. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 Perry Bowick very candidly speaks on how her relationship with her big brother and his addiction led her to become a therapist. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for addiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for addiction
dependence
Noun
  • Europe relies heavily on US cloud infrastructure, and the Commission is turning concerns about that dependence into measurable requirements.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Officials say preliminary evidence indicates that all three substances are potent and could result in dependence and respiratory depression.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/addiction. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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