as in obsessive
caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge
his compulsive clowning around can sometimes be annoying
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 compulsive
These states often trigger compulsive scrolling or posting, not because of the content itself, but because of the emotional tension underneath.
—
Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Sometimes celebrity worshippers have narcissistic features, dissociation, addictive tendencies, stalking behavior and compulsive buying.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
But there’s that obsessive, compulsive need to just create something… a little Shaker spirit.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
Minnesota on Tuesday joined a wave of states suing TikTok, alleging the social media giant preys on young people with addictive algorithms that trap them into becoming compulsive consumers of its short videos.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Sometimes celebrity worshippers have narcissistic features, dissociation, addictive tendencies, stalking behavior and compulsive buying.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
But there’s that obsessive, compulsive need to just create something… a little Shaker spirit.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
Minnesota on Tuesday joined a wave of states suing TikTok, alleging the social media giant preys on young people with addictive algorithms that trap them into becoming compulsive consumers of its short videos.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsive
Adjective
-
It was established in 1923 by founder Shinjiro Torii as the first venue dedicated to crafting Japanese whisky with the obsessive attention to detail that has made the spirit beloved worldwide.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The last few pages of the book include discussion questions parents or teachers can use to expand on the complex themes presented in the book to young readers, and more information about obsessive compulsive disorder.—
Sara Rowe Mount,
Parents,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
These biases can lead to impulsive decisions like following trends, holding losing stocks too long, or ignoring cautionary advice.—
Chris Stevens,
Nashville Tennessean,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Owner Woody Johnson is known for being impulsive and impatient, two things that wouldn't be in the head coach's favor.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Compulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsive. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share