as in obsessive
caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge
his compulsive clowning around can sometimes be annoying
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of compulsive
Meta executives emphasized at trial that the company continuously improves safety and addresses compulsive social media use without infringing on free speech or censoring users.
—
Morgan Lee, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Their lies are compulsive and habitual.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 16 Mar. 2026
Experts estimate that only about 2 to 5 percent of gamblers will develop compulsive behaviors.
—Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
For others, drinking may become compulsive or difficult to control, defined as an alcohol use disorder.
—Logan Pant, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Morgan Lee, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Their lies are compulsive and habitual.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 16 Mar. 2026
Experts estimate that only about 2 to 5 percent of gamblers will develop compulsive behaviors.
—Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
For others, drinking may become compulsive or difficult to control, defined as an alcohol use disorder.
—Logan Pant, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsive
Adjective
-
Felder, an architect with an obsessive streak, thought extensively about the design of his banner, ultimately opting for a white sign with lettering the precise shade of blue as the Star of David on the Israeli flag.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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What about a former Directioner superfan to freak out Niall Horan with their obsessive knowledge?—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Players admit emotions can get the best of them, leading to impulsive challenges that cost their team later in the game.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2026
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His impulsive decision-making and lack of a strategy for exiting the Iran war are also ingredients for hardship and disaster.—
Gary Franks,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Compulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsive. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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