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
In some cases, perfectionist behaviors can be symptoms of an anxiety disorder, depression, and/or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
—
Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Apr. 2025
Ruff also noted that his compulsive drive to fix everything drives his wife nuts.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
For some, impulsivity is also behind disordered eating habits—this is especially the case for binge eating, or chronic, compulsive overeating.
—Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 19 Mar. 2025
Count My Lies centers on compulsive liar Sloane Caraway, who bluffs her way into a job as a nanny for a gorgeous and charismatic couple, Violet and Jay Lockhart.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Apr. 2025
Ruff also noted that his compulsive drive to fix everything drives his wife nuts.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
For some, impulsivity is also behind disordered eating habits—this is especially the case for binge eating, or chronic, compulsive overeating.
—Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 19 Mar. 2025
Count My Lies centers on compulsive liar Sloane Caraway, who bluffs her way into a job as a nanny for a gorgeous and charismatic couple, Violet and Jay Lockhart.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsive
Adjective
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The film centers on Chomsky, an obsessive radio journalist who investigates the incident, uncovering a network of corruption, political manipulation and media spectacle.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
18 May 2025
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The protests were meant to provoke a response; the obsessive smearing signals that the disruption is doing its work.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Lori, impulsive and headstrong in her own way, won’t let Ruth slip away so easily.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
17 May 2025
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Grandchildren who are close to grandparents are more secure, perform better in school and are less impulsive.—
Mark Gerson,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Compulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsive. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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