as in dependences
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 addictions
There will also be educational, wellness and healthy living classes and other group events, in part meant to combat an overall rise in loneliness that has been blamed for worsening people’s mental health and addictions.
—
Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
What follows are some of their stories about the way gambling addictions prey on fandom, the convenience of online sportsbooks, and the masculine culture of competitiveness to corrupt the role of sports in their lives.
—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
In light of our mass smartphone and social-media addictions, a TV habit seems almost benign.
—Hermione Hoby, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Proposition 47’s reduction in penalties for theft and drug offenses led to minimal consequences for repeat offenders, creating a lack of incentives to stop their criminal behavior or seek help for their addictions.
—Mike Hestrin, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Their own addictions to meth persisted for years, outlasting the lives of both their father and grandfather.
—Katheryn Houghton, NPR, 8 Jan. 2026
Some assume that addictions or mental health struggles lead to people being on the streets, says Randal Hitt, the vice president of unsheltered services at Roof Above.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026
And my dad struggled with his addictions and focused on his career and himself, while my mom was at home, raising me.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 3 Jan. 2026
Bridgett suffered from anxiety and addictions to marijuana and alcohol, among other mental health issues.
—Diane Herbst, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
What follows are some of their stories about the way gambling addictions prey on fandom, the convenience of online sportsbooks, and the masculine culture of competitiveness to corrupt the role of sports in their lives.
—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
In light of our mass smartphone and social-media addictions, a TV habit seems almost benign.
—Hermione Hoby, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Proposition 47’s reduction in penalties for theft and drug offenses led to minimal consequences for repeat offenders, creating a lack of incentives to stop their criminal behavior or seek help for their addictions.
—Mike Hestrin, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Their own addictions to meth persisted for years, outlasting the lives of both their father and grandfather.
—Katheryn Houghton, NPR, 8 Jan. 2026
Some assume that addictions or mental health struggles lead to people being on the streets, says Randal Hitt, the vice president of unsheltered services at Roof Above.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026
And my dad struggled with his addictions and focused on his career and himself, while my mom was at home, raising me.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 3 Jan. 2026
Bridgett suffered from anxiety and addictions to marijuana and alcohol, among other mental health issues.
—Diane Herbst, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for addictions
habits
Noun
-
Finally, Robb suggests focusing more on habits versus one-time mistakes.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Good sleep depends more on overall habits and sleep environment than any single hack.—
Emily Kay Votruba,
EverydayHealth.com,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Addictions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/addictions. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
