as in dependence
a physiological need for certain drugs
an addiction to heroin
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Recent Examples of addiction
The accused bring with them the burdens of poverty, addiction, isolation, physical or mental illness, and the relentless stress of exclusion.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2026
There's a lot at stake for the tech companies, since this is considered a test case, potentially shaping the outcome of some 1,600 other pending social media addiction cases that have been consolidated from parents of children and school districts.
—Bobby Allyn, NPR, 18 Feb. 2026
Some turn to suicide, succumb to addiction, or become easy targets for those who exploit vulnerability.
—Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
The political scion said he’s been in recovery for more than 40 years due to his struggles with drug addiction.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for addiction
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2026
There's a lot at stake for the tech companies, since this is considered a test case, potentially shaping the outcome of some 1,600 other pending social media addiction cases that have been consolidated from parents of children and school districts.
—Bobby Allyn, NPR, 18 Feb. 2026
Some turn to suicide, succumb to addiction, or become easy targets for those who exploit vulnerability.
—Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
The political scion said he’s been in recovery for more than 40 years due to his struggles with drug addiction.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for addiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for addiction
dependence
Noun
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There are also other key caveats to consider, such as a strong dependence on cloud microphysics (given cloud seeding only works on existing clouds), problems with attribution and potential geopolitical and legal issues regarding downwind impacts, Francis said.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
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Studies have shown a correlation between heavy digital dependence and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and stress.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/addiction. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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