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 The actor, 58, recently opened up about his experience with addiction on the Teen Beat podcast with Danielle Fishel. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026 McCollough’s sister and friends hope that her story can prevent another woman or fan who heeds Watts’ blanket endorsement of ketamine and other substances from falling into addiction. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026 More important issues, like preferring the windows open and a golf addiction make the cut. Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Ten days after the Red Raiders left the field at the spring game, their QB1 went into rehab for a gambling addiction. Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for addiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for addiction
dependence
Noun
  • And every fraction of warming prevented now keeps mothers and children safer tomorrow, which means ending our dependence on fossil fuels, fast.
    Catarina Rolfsdotter-Jansson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Greater domestic production could also reduce US dependence on overseas suppliers for advanced battery materials.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/addiction. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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