as in to attract
to hold one's attention to an extreme degree
The TV show obsessed me so much that I was up all night watching.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obsess
This conundrum obsessed Tomasino, a cheerful scholar of flavor chemistry whose research, though focussed on wine, has also considered the intricacies of coffee roasting and the impact of terroir on cheese.
—
Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
An investigation later showed that Ramos was obsessed with violence and notoriety in the months leading up to the attack.
—CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer became an Emmy-winning cult sensation, with fans obsessing over every battle, outfit, love triangle, and snappy Buffy-ism.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
Although hockey drama Heated Rivalry seems to be the show everyone can’t stop talking about, the author behind it still can’t believe even celebrities like Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper are obsessing over the steamy LGBTQ+ program.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obsess
Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
An investigation later showed that Ramos was obsessed with violence and notoriety in the months leading up to the attack.
—CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer became an Emmy-winning cult sensation, with fans obsessing over every battle, outfit, love triangle, and snappy Buffy-ism.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
Although hockey drama Heated Rivalry seems to be the show everyone can’t stop talking about, the author behind it still can’t believe even celebrities like Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper are obsessing over the steamy LGBTQ+ program.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obsess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsess
Verb
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The show chugged along nonetheless, gradually attracting fans who adored its stark cinematography and weirdo colloquialisms.—
Claire McNear,
Rolling Stone,
8 Nov. 2025
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While many states have sought to attract data centers as an economic boon, legislatures and utility commissions were also flooded with proposals to try to protect regular ratepayers from paying to connect data centers to the grid.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The one who interests me most is midfielder Ruben Neves.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
2 Jan. 2026
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Check for special events and workshops that might interest your guests and transform a museum visit into a more engaging experience.—
Bill Bootz,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.—
Glenn Peoples,
Billboard,
7 Nov. 2025
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Elizabeth is fascinated by insects and science.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Will he be intrigued in hiring him?—
Joseph Hoyt,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Jan. 2026
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Stefanski, then the Browns’ head coach, was intrigued by Dart’s talent and makeup.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obsess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obsess. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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