addictive

ad·dic·tive | \ ə-ˈdik-tiv

How to pronounce addictive (audio)

, a- \

Definition of addictive

: causing or characterized by addiction an addictive drug an addictive personality

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about addictive

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Examples of addictive in a Sentence

highly addictive drugs like crack and heroin the addictive thrill of surfing

Recent Examples on the Web Executives from the company have admitted that Purdue downplayed the strength and addictive qualities of the drug. — Amy Gunia, Time, "The Louvre Removed the Name of OxyContin-Linked Sackler Family From Its Walls," 18 July 2019 Purdue has been criticized for dishonest marketing practices that pushed OxyContin on patients who didn’t need it, or gave them dosage patterns that made the drug more addictive. — Kelsey Piper, Vox, "The Sacklers made billions off the opioid crisis. The Louvre is taking their name off its walls.," 17 July 2019 An Associated Press analysis found that in 2012, enough of the powerful and addictive painkillers were shipped for every man, woman and child in the U.S. to have nearly a 20-day supply. — CBS News, "Tentative opioid settlement reached in Ohio with drug companies," 21 Oct. 2019 An Associated Press analysis found that in 2012, enough of the powerful and addictive painkillers were shipped for every man, woman and child in the U.S. to have nearly a 20-day supply. — Author: Julie Carr Smyth, Geoff Mulvihill, Anchorage Daily News, "Companies reach tentative deal with governments to settle opioids lawsuit," 21 Oct. 2019 Doctors also could reach for less powerful and addictive pain relievers, Krakower and Quinn said. — Dennis Thompson, chicagotribune.com, "Certain teens more likely to get hooked on opioids," 16 Mar. 2018 The liquid in e-cigarette cartridges comes from tobacco and is highly addictive. — Jayne O'donnell, USA TODAY, "Fed ban on flavored vape products expected soon, menthol and vape stores may be spared," 6 Nov. 2019 Each pod contains a concentration of nicotine equal to a pack of cigarettes, which concerns public health officials and researchers because nicotine is addictive. — Carmen Heredia Rodriguez, chicagotribune.com, "As vaping devices evolve, new potential hazards scrutinized," 30 Oct. 2019 This chemical reaction is a big part of why social media can be so addictive. — Carola Jain, Quartz, "Millennials’ complex relationship with their cell phones is driving the experience economy," 29 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'addictive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near addictive

add insult to injury

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Last Updated

11 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Addictive.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addictive. Accessed 11 December 2019.

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More Definitions for addictive

addictive

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of addictive

: causing a strong and harmful need to regularly have or do something

: very enjoyable in a way that makes you want to do or have something again

See the full definition for addictive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

addictive

ad·dic·tive | \ ə-ˈdik-tiv

\

Medical Definition of addictive

: causing or characterized by addiction addictive drugs

addictive

ad·dic·tive | \ ə-ˈdik-tiv

\

Legal Definition of addictive

: causing or characterized by addiction addictive drugs

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