OBSESSIVE Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

obsessive

adjective

äb-ˈse-siv

Definition of obsessive

as in impulsive

caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge intrigued by the man's obsessive counting of everyday objects

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of obsessive But per the Black List, the story follows an antisocial man suffering from obsessive compulsions who is haunted by the death of his hoarder mother. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026 Their take on the story of Agamemnon’s obsessive daughter — fixated on revenge since his death at the hands of her mother, Clytemnestra — should be something fierce to behold. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026 Some managers are detail-oriented, to the point of being obsessive about them. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Wanda’s obsessive drive to succeed ignites her darker side and self-destructive tendencies that led to her drug addiction. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obsessive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsessive

Adjective

Before talking yourself out of it, ask whether the risk feels meaningful rather than merely impulsive.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Full moons are emotionally charged, so try not to make any impulsive decisions, at least not right now.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of impulsive

Adjective

Casinos offer voluntary self-exclusion programs for compulsive gamblers; birth plans allow devotees of natural labor to deny their future selves an epidural.

— Meghan O’Gieblyn, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
But when conventional regulation fails to keep pace with powerful new products capable of inducing self-destructive, compulsive consumption, courts offer another route.

— Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026