addictive

adjective

ad·​dic·​tive ə-ˈdik-tiv 

a-

: causing or characterized by addiction

an addictive drug

an addictive personality

Synonyms

• addicting

Examples of addictive in a Sentence

highly addictive drugs like crack and heroin

the addictive thrill of surfing

Recent Examples on the Web

Minnesota has joined 13 states and the District of Columbia that have sued TikTok over the past year, alleging that the short-form video platform is addictive for children. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025

Sweet Obsession captures that same intoxicating blend of creamy vanilla and sparkling sugar crystals that makes the original so addictive. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 Aug. 2025

For vulnerable users, that always-on companionship is addictive. —Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Nudd’s model, for example, uses AI to engage users at times of high risk for addictive behavior. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

addict entry 2 + -ive

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for addictive

• constrictive
• predictive
• restrictive
• vindictive
• fictive
• magnetostrictive

Kids 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