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
People have a tendency to be pushy, aggressive and even compulsive today.
—
Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 15 May 2026
In his latest, In the Grey, Ritchie takes this compulsive, hyperanalytical love of preparation to comical levels.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 May 2026
Their extraordinary ability seems to come from a habitual, even compulsive, reflection on their past and a focus on anchoring memories to dates.
—Gabrielle Principe, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
For some people, compulsive shopping and overspending can become an addiction.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 15 May 2026
In his latest, In the Grey, Ritchie takes this compulsive, hyperanalytical love of preparation to comical levels.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 May 2026
Their extraordinary ability seems to come from a habitual, even compulsive, reflection on their past and a focus on anchoring memories to dates.
—Gabrielle Principe, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
For some people, compulsive shopping and overspending can become an addiction.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsive
Adjective
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Then the studio’s marketing department built on the buzz through cryptic billboards across Los Angeles and New York, featuring Nikki’s increasingly unsettling and obsessive texts, voice notes and deliveries, alongside a phone number inviting them to reach out.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
24 May 2026
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But needy, possessive Nikki smothers Bear, and what plays out is a horrifying tale of obsessive love gone wrong — sour, curdled and violent.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2026
Adjective
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One honest budget check can keep the idea useful instead of impulsive.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
23 May 2026
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This simple question, in the heat of a reaction, where time and capacity seem to vanish, can be the entire difference between a measured choice and an impulsive reaction.—
Patrick Murphy,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Compulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsive. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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