as in obsessive
caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge
his compulsive clowning around can sometimes be annoying
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of compulsive
Lin Sternlicht is a therapist and cofounder of Family Addiction Specialist, a private practice specializing in helping clients overcome compulsive behaviors around sports betting and other online platforms.
—
Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
This goes against how therapists try combat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other compulsive behavior, which is predicated on fostering self-trust and accepting uncertainty, the reporting notes.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 8 Apr. 2026
Viewers follow this meagre trail methodically, greedily, with heads down, driven by compulsive curiosity.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2026
The suit argues that the gambling apps are designed to encourage compulsive use, including by targeting users with personalized bonuses and urging them to keep betting.
—Shannon Bond, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
This goes against how therapists try combat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other compulsive behavior, which is predicated on fostering self-trust and accepting uncertainty, the reporting notes.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 8 Apr. 2026
Viewers follow this meagre trail methodically, greedily, with heads down, driven by compulsive curiosity.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2026
The suit argues that the gambling apps are designed to encourage compulsive use, including by targeting users with personalized bonuses and urging them to keep betting.
—Shannon Bond, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsive
Adjective
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In the protein-obsessive landscape of today, a couple of Quest bars sounds positively quaint.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Apr. 2026
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That series starred Gadd, in an autobiographical role, as a stand-up comedian being stalked by an obsessive fan, played by Jessica Gunning.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The ultimate goal is never an impulsive diagnosis.—
Lucy Jones
April 11,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
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For svn4vr, a devout Christian whose music grapples with the demands of faith, the impulsive workflow conveys a religious fervor.—
H.D. Angel,
Pitchfork,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Compulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsive. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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