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

Muse monetization won't be about addictive engagement or doom scrolling. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

As a result, nicotine is being repositioned from an addictive substance linked to tobacco use to a natural product that can be used for everything from improving focus to protecting against cognitive decline. — Hasmeena Kathuria, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Physical barriers and blockers force users to take an extra step before opening addictive apps. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026

For many, the former Harvard professor was the face of the psychedelic revolution — brilliant but manic, addictive, paranoid, nihilistic, and antiestablishment. — Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 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