addicting
adjective
ad·dict·ing
ə-ˈdik-tiŋ 
a
: causing a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity
Although codeine is potentially addicting, it rarely causes physical dependence when taken orally for a short time.—
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
b
: producing a strong inclination to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly
This relish is typically used as a topping for bruschetta …—but I find it so addicting I can simply eat spoonfuls from a bowl.—Francisco J. Robert
Francisco J. RobertExamples of addicting in a Sentence
cocaine is highly addicting
Recent Examples on the Web
Penn Badgley's Joe Goldberg will no longer haunt our TV screens with his salacious — yet addicting — crimes as his reign as everyone's favorite serial killer (ew?) is officially coming to an end in season 5.
—Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
This show is like Grey’s Anatomy meets Bravo’s Below Deck: ridiculous, dramatic, and totally addicting.
—Annabel Gutterman, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
TikTok is not so unique, or so uniquely potent; an Americanized TikTok will still be just as addicting and just as manipulative in service to its new corporate stakeholders.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
Minimalist artists Sol LeWitt, Frank Stella and Donald Judd seemed to know this, captivating us with the addicting lucidity of their stark lines, colors and shapes.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for addicting
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.
Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
This show is like Grey’s Anatomy meets Bravo’s Below Deck: ridiculous, dramatic, and totally addicting.
—Annabel Gutterman, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
TikTok is not so unique, or so uniquely potent; an Americanized TikTok will still be just as addicting and just as manipulative in service to its new corporate stakeholders.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
Minimalist artists Sol LeWitt, Frank Stella and Donald Judd seemed to know this, captivating us with the addicting lucidity of their stark lines, colors and shapes.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for addicting
Cite this Entry
“Addicting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addicting. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share