obsessive
adjective
ob·ses·sive
äb-ˈse-siv 
əb-
1
a
: tending to cause obsession
b
: excessive often to an unreasonable degree
2
: of, relating to, or characterized by obsession : deriving from obsession
obsessive
noun
obsessively
adverb
obsessiveness
noun
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
The film centers on Chomsky, an obsessive radio journalist who investigates the incident, uncovering a network of corruption, political manipulation and media spectacle.
—
Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 May 2025
The protests were meant to provoke a response; the obsessive smearing signals that the disruption is doing its work.
—Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 17 May 2025
For some, what started as a clinical macronutrient has morphed into a personality trait—and a slightly obsessive one.
—Sara Hussain, Vogue, 12 May 2025
The Perfect’s obsessive editors grew up together, spending summers on Nantucket.
—Air Mail, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obsessive
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Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 May 2025
The protests were meant to provoke a response; the obsessive smearing signals that the disruption is doing its work.
—Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 17 May 2025
For some, what started as a clinical macronutrient has morphed into a personality trait—and a slightly obsessive one.
—Sara Hussain, Vogue, 12 May 2025
The Perfect’s obsessive editors grew up together, spending summers on Nantucket.
—Air Mail, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obsessive
Cite this Entry
“Obsessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsessive. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
obsessive
adjective
ob·ses·sive
äb-ˈses-iv
əb-
: of, relating to, having, or being an obsession
obsessively
adverb
Medical Definition
obsessive
1 of 2 adjective
ob·ses·sive
äb-ˈses-iv, əb-
: of, relating to, causing, or characterized by obsession : deriving from obsession
obsessive behavior
obsessively
adverb
obsessiveness
noun
obsessive
2 of 2 noun
: an obsessive individual
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