addictive

adjective

ad·​dic·​tive ə-ˈdik-tiv 

a-

: causing or characterized by addiction

an addictive drug

an addictive personality

Synonyms of addictive

• addicting

Examples of addictive in a Sentence

highly addictive drugs like crack and heroin

the addictive thrill of surfing

Recent Examples on the Web

For most, collecting Panini stickers is a low-stakes, mildly addictive way to get caught up in World Cup fever and be part of a social scene where fútbol is a point of national pride and identity. — Maria Jose Gutierrez-Chavez, Curbed, 17 July 2026

In recent years, however, the activity has reëmerged as an addictive and Instagrammable hobby for Londoners of all classes. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

By contrast with physical products, policymakers now tend to duck difficult conversations about what to do with addictive services or experiences like gambling and video games. — Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

Those aged between 16 and 18 will also be subject to social media curfews, while the government also aims to stop addictive features such as auto-play and infinite scroll. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

addict entry 2 + -ive

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for addictive

• constrictive
• predictive
• restrictive
• vindictive
• magnetostrictive

Kids Definition

addictive

adjective

ad·​dic·​tive ə-ˈdik-tiv 

a-

: causing or characterized by addiction

an addictive drug

an addictive game

Medical Definition

addictive

adjective

ad·​dic·​tive ə-ˈdik-tiv 

: causing or characterized by addiction

addictive drugs

Legal Definition

addictive

adjective

ad·​dic·​tive ə-ˈdik-tiv 

: causing or characterized by addiction

addictive drugs