addictive
adjective
ad·dic·tive
ə-ˈdik-tiv 
a-
: causing or characterized by addiction
an addictive drug
an addictive personality
Examples of addictive in a Sentence
highly addictive drugs like crack and heroin
the addictive thrill of surfing
Recent Examples on the Web
Frankincense and resins open the composition, mingling with tonka and vanilla bean for a sensual, sophisticated, and addictive aroma that invites you to linger beside a boutique hotel’s flickering fireplace on a cold night.
—
Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
Indeed, the initial loss of a regular period can often be followed by an addictive uptick in performance.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Many studies over the past 25 years have shown that high-sugar and other highly pleasurable foods – often foods that are ultraprocessed – act on these brain networks in ways that are similar to other addictive substances.
—Claire Wilcox, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
The team also found that puppyhood behaviors (dogs aged 2 months to 6 months) were linked to a higher tendency for addictive-like behavior later in life.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for addictive
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Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
Indeed, the initial loss of a regular period can often be followed by an addictive uptick in performance.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Many studies over the past 25 years have shown that high-sugar and other highly pleasurable foods – often foods that are ultraprocessed – act on these brain networks in ways that are similar to other addictive substances.
—Claire Wilcox, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
The team also found that puppyhood behaviors (dogs aged 2 months to 6 months) were linked to a higher tendency for addictive-like behavior later in life.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for addictive
Cite this Entry
“Addictive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addictive. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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