addicting

adjective

ad·​dict·​ing ə-ˈdik-tiŋ How to pronounce addicting (audio)
: causing addiction : addictive
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
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

Examples of addicting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Prepare to add this addicting cheese to your regular menu. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2023 But for users like Courtney, the struggles to quit are real and complicated by the powerful cultural perception that marijuana is natural and therapeutic, not a substance that can be addicting. David Ovalle and Fenit Nirappil, Anchorage Daily News, 8 Aug. 2023 With ornate window displays and high towers, the busy street comes to life and gives you a taste of the buzz that makes NYC so addicting. Kyler Alvord, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 July 2023 And iPhone—maybe—would be less addicting without Instagram. Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 9 June 2023 Bacon is, without a doubt, one of the most delicious and addicting breakfast foods out there. Brittany Leitner, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2023 Showrunner Debora Cahn has crafted that elusive not-prestige-but-not-not-prestige political thriller, one that marries the addicting silliness Netflix has staked its claim upon with the sobriety of those other streamers-that-shall-not-be-named. Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE, 22 Apr. 2023 That's so addicting. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2023 All legal, but very addicting. Terry Pluto, cleveland, 28 Jan. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'addicting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of addict entry 2

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of addicting was in 1931

Dictionary Entries Near addicting

Cite this Entry

“Addicting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addicting. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

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