as in dependence
a physiological need for certain drugs
an addiction to heroin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Backers say new facility will consolidate job training, addiction treatment, mental health services and housing in one location, helping homeless individuals access care faster.
—
Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
At the national level, the agency leads public health initiatives geared toward reducing the burden of substance abuse and mental illness on communities, while also distributing funds to states and local entities for mental health and addiction services, according to its website.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 14 Jan. 2026
The cuts did appear to spare certain programs, however, like Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, specialized facilities that offer 24/7 mental health and addiction care.
—Lev Facher, STAT, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for addiction
Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
At the national level, the agency leads public health initiatives geared toward reducing the burden of substance abuse and mental illness on communities, while also distributing funds to states and local entities for mental health and addiction services, according to its website.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 14 Jan. 2026
The cuts did appear to spare certain programs, however, like Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, specialized facilities that offer 24/7 mental health and addiction care.
—Lev Facher, STAT, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for addiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for addiction
dependence
Noun
-
Bolstering the state’s dependence on fossil fuels forces us to keep funding the destruction of our environment, health, and a civil democratic society.—
Anshul Gupta,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The prescription opioid pill, called naltrexone, was first approved by the FDA to treat opioid dependence in 1984.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/addiction. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
