ADDICTIVE Synonyms: 6 Similar and Opposite Words

addictive

adjective

ə-ˈdik-tiv

Definition of addictive next

as in addicting

causing or relating to a physiological need for certain drugs an addictive painkiller

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 addictive But researchers say minors are more vulnerable than adults and platforms should do more to reduce addictive design elements. —

Carmel Wroth, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026 This week saw what could prove to be an historic reckoning for Big Tech when a Californian court ruled that Meta and Google’s YouTube intentionally built addictive social media platforms. —

Jamie Timson, TheWeek, 27 Mar. 2026 Lean can be addictive and have dangerous side effects including memory loss, liver damage, and overdoses. —

Dan Raby, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026 And the central finding—that an app can be deemed addictive and negligently designed—is a wake-up call. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for addictive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for addictive

addicting

Adjective

Another mother at the vigil whose 13-year-old daughter took her own life after suffering from cyber abuse said the social media platforms are intentionally addicting for children.

— Julie Sharp, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
Adding creamed corn to these drop biscuits turns them into an addicting mash-up of a moist cornbread and a buttery biscuit.

— Hailee Catalano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026