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addiction

noun

ə-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce addiction (audio)
Definition of addictionnext
as in dependence
a physiological need for certain drugs an addiction to heroin

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of addiction All proceeds from the shows will benefit Anastasio’s Divided Sky Foundation, which supports addiction recovery. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026 Things got worse when Sean, then 16, was in a serious car accident — a trauma that led to a painkiller addiction. — Emy Lacroix, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026 Will his addiction to fast driving undermine his commitment to providing affordable penile health care to residents of our nation’s capital? — Josh Gondelman, New Yorker, 17 Sep. 2026 Harrity, who is open about his own recovery, is troubled and disgusted by police believing Horsch preyed on women struggling with addiction. — Joe Holden, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for addiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for addiction
dependence
Noun
  • This approach aims to reduce dependence on global raw material sources.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
  • This definition was a broader move away from previous DSMs’ binary diagnoses of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of dependence

Browse Nearby Words

addicting
addiction
addictions
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Cite this Entry

“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/addiction. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on addiction

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about addiction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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