habit-forming
adjective
hab·it-form·ing
ˈha-bət-ˌfȯr-miŋ 
: inducing the formation of an addiction
a habit-forming drug
Examples of habit-forming in a Sentence
warned the patient to be careful, because morphine can be habit-forming
Recent Examples on the Web
The company sees the Refresher format as an opportunity to diversify its in-store offerings while giving guests more ways to engage with the brand in a format that feels flexible, approachable, and habit-forming.
—
Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Launch a habit-forming brand tool, like a tracker or micro-app, that solves a real need and aligns with your mission.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
What Is Addiction Capitalism? Addiction capitalism refers to an economic model in which companies design technology products and digital platforms to be as habit-forming as possible.
—Mary Johnstone-Louis, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
In their marketing, meanwhile, supplement companies consistently describe their melatonin products as drug-free, non-habit-forming, and safe.
—ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025
Pregabalin also has the potential to be habit-forming, meaning people can become dependent on it and require help stopping the medication.
—Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
These non-habit-forming drinks contain safe, non-habit-forming ingredients.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025
Paya is a breezy wonderland where the habit-forming mussels taste like tikka masala and the scallop crudo pops with peaches, jalapeño and passionfruit.
—Andy Wang, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Antidepressants can cause flu-like withdrawal symptoms, but the medications are not habit-forming, mental health experts say.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Feb. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Launch a habit-forming brand tool, like a tracker or micro-app, that solves a real need and aligns with your mission.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
What Is Addiction Capitalism? Addiction capitalism refers to an economic model in which companies design technology products and digital platforms to be as habit-forming as possible.
—Mary Johnstone-Louis, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
In their marketing, meanwhile, supplement companies consistently describe their melatonin products as drug-free, non-habit-forming, and safe.
—ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025
Pregabalin also has the potential to be habit-forming, meaning people can become dependent on it and require help stopping the medication.
—Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
These non-habit-forming drinks contain safe, non-habit-forming ingredients.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025
Paya is a breezy wonderland where the habit-forming mussels taste like tikka masala and the scallop crudo pops with peaches, jalapeño and passionfruit.
—Andy Wang, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Antidepressants can cause flu-like withdrawal symptoms, but the medications are not habit-forming, mental health experts say.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Habit-forming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/habit-forming. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
habit-forming
adjective
hab·it-form·ing
ˈhab-ət-ˌfȯr-miŋ
: inducing the formation of an addiction
a habit-forming prescription painkiller
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share