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
Young and Johnson are addicting to watch, crafting a sibling dynamic that feels honest, volatile, loving, and frighteningly fragile all at once.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
Earlier this year, a California jury found Meta and YouTube liable for knowingly addicting and harming a young woman in a landmark decision, decades after the platforms launched.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 5 May 2026
The trial centers on whether tech companies such as Instagram, which is owned by Meta, and YouTube can be held liable for allegedly promoting a harmful product and addicting users to their platforms.
—Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Another mother at the vigil whose 13-year-old daughter took her own life after suffering from cyber abuse said the social media platforms are intentionally addicting for children.
—Julie Sharp, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for addicting
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Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
Earlier this year, a California jury found Meta and YouTube liable for knowingly addicting and harming a young woman in a landmark decision, decades after the platforms launched.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 5 May 2026
The trial centers on whether tech companies such as Instagram, which is owned by Meta, and YouTube can be held liable for allegedly promoting a harmful product and addicting users to their platforms.
—Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Another mother at the vigil whose 13-year-old daughter took her own life after suffering from cyber abuse said the social media platforms are intentionally addicting for children.
—Julie Sharp, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for addicting
Cite this Entry
“Addicting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addicting. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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