obsession

noun

äb-ˈse-shən How to pronounce obsession (audio)
Definition of obsessionnext
as in problem
something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned her latest obsession is a movie star who she thinks is very handsome

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 obsession Attacking individual flair versus an obsession with possession. — David Hickey, NBC news, 14 July 2026 And some have responded by seizing the female obsession with looks, already rooted in misogyny, and rebranding it with maximum toxicity—in other words, by becoming looksmaxxers. — Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 11 July 2026 The Republican Party’s obsession with the Save America Act keeps me up at night. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2026 But being a teenager can be isolating, confusing, and an emotional rollercoaster—and what can start as an attempt to find friends can quickly spiral into an unhealthy obsession. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for obsession
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsession
  1. problem
  2. fascination
  3. preoccupation
  4. fixation
  5. fetish
  6. mania
  7. enthusiasm
Noun
  • But local hoteliers say the proposal is riddled with problems, would unfairly impact hotels more than other businesses and might violate state law by applying flat fees to hotels instead of per-worker charges.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • StubHub said in various statements to the news and in legal proceedings that ticket cancellations were a result of transfer problems and issues with FIFA’s ticketing infrastructure.
    — Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of problem
Noun
  • From this space emerges the witch, a symbol of collective female strength and a figure through whom fascination and fear continue to be explored.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
  • Fans want to feel as close to the objects of their fascination as possible.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 8 July 2026
Definition of fascination
Noun
  • Among this group, it is characterized by a difficulty controlling phone use, heavy social media dependence, having a preoccupation with notifications and voicing distress when separated from their device.
    — Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
  • These milestones demonstrate that the past is colored and edited by the preoccupations of the present.
    — George F. Will, Washington Post, 3 July 2026
Definition of preoccupation
Noun
  • The role of a maternal, culinarily inclined woman whose put-together image comes under very public strain fits Garner like a glove, which helps in selling slightly absurd details like Hollis’ traumatic fixation on smoke alarms.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 9 July 2026
  • New film Objet a revolves around Ingeborg and Adam, visionary hand surgeons bound by love, control and irresistible fixations.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Definition of fixation
Noun
  • So what’s up with the foot fetish?
    — Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • An OnlyFans fetish creator, who recorded herself as a 56-year-old client wrapped in Saran wrap suffocated, has been sentenced to four years in prison for the man’s death.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Definition of fetish
Noun
  • Amid the post-pandemic mania for luxury collectibles, Sotheby’s wine and spirits department achieved a record $132 million in sales in 2021.
    — George Nelson for ArtNews, Robb Report, 9 July 2026
  • So much for the logo-mania that, for years, defined China’s Gen Z and millennial shoppers.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Definition of mania
Noun
  • Volunteers hosted happy hours and trivia nights that helped generate enthusiasm for a generational shift from Collins, 73, to Platner, 41.
    — Kimberlee Kruesi, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • In the backdrop to Sutherland, Bocco, Maraval and Barker’s enthusiasm for the new TIFF Market, there’s uncertainty about how many international film professionals will make the trip this year.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Definition of enthusiasm

Browse Nearby Words

obsessing (over)
obsession
obsessional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obsession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obsession. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on obsession

Nglish: Translation of obsession for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about obsession

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