addictive

adjective

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

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.
Cancer House make downer music with the same allure, where all things lugubrious offer a strange, addictive solace. Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 13 Apr. 2026 Concerns over Roblox’s ability to keep its users safe coincide with broader political appetite to crack down on platforms deemed addictive for young people. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026 An addictive story about the price of wealth and power. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026 In one study, the perception by users that social media is addictive, due mainly to believing news media narratives, actually reduces self-efficacy and makes overuse more likely. William Proctor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Addictive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addictive. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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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