Synonyms of addictive

addictive

adjective

ə-ˈdik-tiv 

as in addicting

causing or relating to a physiological need for certain drugs

an addictive painkiller

Synonyms & Similar Words

• addicting
• habit-forming
• narcotic
• hard

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonaddictive
• soft

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of addictive

The antagonist of the new Toy Story film is a tablet, whose addictive presence distracts the toys’ young owner from unstructured, creative play. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026

The Illinois settlement is part of the broader nationwide deal Meta reached to resolve claims that the company built Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to kids and misled the public about the risks. — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

In California, lawmakers are considering a package of bills restricting addictive features for kids and allowing families to sue tech companies if kids are harmed. — Shannon Bond, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026

The suit alleged that Meta designed Instagram with intentionally addictive features and exposed younger users to serious mental harm while misleading the public about the platform’s safety. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026