ALCOHOLISM Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

alcoholism

noun

ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌli-zəm

Definition of alcoholism

as in drunkenness

habitual or excessive drinking of intoxicants a treatment center for those suffering from alcoholism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 alcoholism Reagan had clearly been hurt by his father’s alcoholism and unemployment. — Bob Woodward, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 In 1978, the year after her mother’s death, Christina published her tell-all memoir, Mommie Dearest, chronicling her life at home—which included claims that her mother was abusive and suffered from alcoholism. — Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2026 Faris played the role of Christy, a single mother restarting her life in Napa following alcoholism and drug addiction struggles, on Mom for seven seasons from 2013 to 2020. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Oct. 2026 During the panel, Shatner spoke about the late Leonard Nimoy, his passing, their friendship as well as how Nimoy helped Shatner address alcoholism in his own life. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alcoholism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alcoholism

drunkenness

Noun

His later years were plagued by illness, drunkenness, disappointment, and debt.

— Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
Court paperwork shows Viviano was cited for public drunkenness and similar misconduct.

— Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of drunkenness

Browse Nearby Words

alcoholics

alcoholism

alcohols

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Alcoholism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alcoholism. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of alcoholism

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on alcoholism

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

shindig

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes