obsessive

adjective

ob·ses·sive | \ äb-ˈse-siv

, əb-\

Definition of obsessive

1a : tending to cause obsession

b : excessive often to an unreasonable degree

2 : of, relating to, or characterized by obsession : deriving from obsession

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Examples of obsessive in a Sentence

Many dancers are obsessive about their weight. He is an obsessive workaholic who never stops thinking about his job. an obsessive interest in space travel The new therapy is supposed to help people control their obsessive thoughts.

Recent Examples on the Web

These kids are as obsessive and quirky as a top-level athlete. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, "See Science Fair even if you’ve never entered one in your life," 16 Sep. 2018 There's also a difference between having occasional intrusive, obsessive thoughts and having OCD. — Korin Miller, SELF, "What's the Difference Between Occasional Obsessive Thoughts and OCD?," 1 June 2018 At first, some of his paintings can look like the benignly decorative product of an obsessive-compulsive decoupagist. — David Colman, ELLE Decor, "Art Show: Fred Tomaselli," 1 Nov. 2010 The only thing that could pull me away from said obsessive QE3 viewing is, of course the Fab Five—or four of them at least—on Jimmy Kimmel Live! — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "If a Queer Eye and Marie Kondo Crossover Episode Happens, I'll Need CPR," 20 Mar. 2019 From Queen to Empress in a story of obsessive love, here’s the first look of @helenmirren as #CatherinetheGreat, coming 2019. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Helen Mirren Wore a Gorgeous Pink Dress and Stunning Jewels on the Oscars Red Carpet," 25 Feb. 2019 But an obsessive focus on men expressing themselves primarily through anger and invulnerability can make suffering seem heroic in itself — which is why the series, in every season, is so eager to show scenes of Daredevil torturing people. — Noah Berlatsky, The Verge, "Daredevil’s ‘suffering makes a man’ trope is common, familiar, and bad for everyone," 24 Oct. 2018 Instead, emphasize coverage that’s actionable, that residents deem necessary and valuable for short- and long-term planning — especially an obsessive focus on housing and development, transportation, education and local politics. — Farhad Manjoo, New York Times, "A Crazy Idea for Funding Local News: Charge People for It," 7 Feb. 2018 This rarely involves genuine engagement with others but rather a calculated and obsessive campaign of self-promotion. — John Kaag, WSJ, "‘How to Disappear’ Review: The Unseen Virtues," 22 Feb. 2019

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