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obsessive

adjective

ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈse-siv How to pronounce obsessive (audio)
əb-
Synonyms of obsessivenext
1
a
: tending to cause obsession
b
: excessive often to an unreasonable degree
an obsessive interest
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
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.
Check out our obsessive coverage of the Cyber Monday deals, discounts, offers, and bargains from top brands and retailers. PC Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025 The comedian Tim Robinson seems to love playing obsessive weirdos. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 28 Nov. 2025 The album should also sell well to the musical’s (and stars’) many obsessive fans, particularly with seven vinyl and four CD variants available for purchase, one of the latter also coming signed by Erivo and Grande. Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 26 Nov. 2025 Getting by with a little help from longtime obsessive Jackson’s production company, Disney+’s latest love-in restores this footage, and alongside breaking its six parts into eight, adds a ninth assembled from the cutting room floor. Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obsessive

Word History

Etymology

obsess + -ive

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of obsessive was in 1897

Cite this Entry

“Obsessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsessive. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

obsessive

adjective
ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈses-iv How to pronounce obsessive (audio)
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- How to pronounce obsessive (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on obsessive

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