obsessional

adjective

Definition of obsessionalnext
as in obsessive
caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge had an obsessional need to be liked by everybody

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 obsessional But obsessional online culture has sought to answer questions of origin rather than waving them off. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsessional
  1. obsessive
  2. impulsive
Adjective
  • Tiley also became known for his obsessive attention to detail.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • Lindhome, who did only three but memorable guest appearances on Big Bang as Ramona Nowitzkis, an obsessive CalTech graduate student, plays a version of the same character who is now a receptionist from hell at her alma mater.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Definition of obsessive
Adjective
  • But Magdalen’s temporary embodiment of her sister’s demure, obedient nature does not temper her impulsive, dramatic tendencies—only the development of an empathetic, analytical intelligence can do that.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
  • This matters because Arraez seems like the kind of player who could get a GM or president of baseball operations to do something impulsive.
    — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of impulsive

Browse Nearby Words

obsession
obsessional
obsessions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obsessional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obsessional. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on obsessional

Nglish: Translation of obsessional for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of mitigate

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All