addictive

adjective

ad·​dic·​tive ə-ˈdik-tiv How to pronounce addictive (audio)
a-
Synonyms of addictivenext
: 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
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.
His great novel proposed that the compulsive, addictive character of America, not least its addiction to entertainment, could best be resisted through the engaged reading of fiction. Hermione Hoby, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026 Turns out freedom is addictive, too. Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026 One of the biggest sticking points in the dealmaking process was what would happen to the algorithm -- the secret sauce that makes TikTok so addictive. Elizabeth Schulze, ABC News, 22 Jan. 2026 All the drugs found in Naroditsky's system are potentially addictive. Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for addictive

Word History

Etymology

addict entry 2 + -ive

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of addictive was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Addictive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addictive. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

addictive

adjective
ad·​dic·​tive ə-ˈdik-tiv How to pronounce addictive (audio)
a-
: causing or characterized by addiction
an addictive drug
an addictive game

Medical Definition

addictive

adjective
ad·​dic·​tive ə-ˈdik-tiv How to pronounce addictive (audio)
: causing or characterized by addiction
addictive drugs

Legal Definition

addictive

adjective
ad·​dic·​tive ə-ˈdik-tiv How to pronounce addictive (audio)
: causing or characterized by addiction
addictive drugs

More from Merriam-Webster on addictive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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