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alcoholism

noun

ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce alcoholism (audio)
Definition of alcoholismnext
as in drunkenness
habitual or excessive drinking of intoxicants a treatment center for those suffering from alcoholism

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 alcoholism Topics included sexuality, drugs, birth control, cardiovascular disease and alcoholism. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026 Ben and Casey experienced a series of ups and downs with their father, who struggled with alcoholism. — Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2026 Genetic deviations that impair the processing of alcohol turn out to be associated with lower rates of alcoholism. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 Other contributing factors included hypertensive cardiovascular disease and cirrhosis due to alcoholism. — Sofi Zeman august 25, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alcoholism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alcoholism
drunkenness
Noun
  • Not even Jeff being annoyed at Kasandra’s drunkenness can ruin the mood.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Avoiding hangovers and the effects of drunkenness were also commonly cited.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of drunkenness

Browse Nearby Words

alcoholics
alcoholism
alcohols
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Cite this Entry

“Alcoholism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alcoholism. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alcoholism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alcoholism

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