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 And the other kind of research—the polar opposite of the first—was the obsessive reading of dime novels for the backstory and legend of Anton Vargas. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026 The perfect dog needed to love balls or tug toys, be neurotic and extremely obsessive. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2026 The show’s young cast rocketed to superstardom, particularly Adam Brody (as pop culture obsessive Seth Cohen), Mischa Barton (as girl-next-door Marissa Cooper), and Rachel Bilson (as the popular Summer Roberts). — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026 But outside of a small circle of editors, researchers, and obsessive readers on Wikipedia, the recognition has barely registered. — Carson Griffith, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for obsessive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsessive

Adjective

The actor starred on The Sopranos as Christopher Moltisanti, the cousin of Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano who often ends up in trouble because of his impulsive ways.

— Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
But as with any James Gray film, there are life-altering consequences on the other side of impulsive decision-making for the sake of the American dream.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of impulsive

Adjective

Intrusive, never-ending thought spirals drive compulsive behaviors such as binging, overexercising, purging and restrictive eating.

— Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2026
Then there are fraudsters, compulsive fabricators, and people who misrepresent themselves in major ways.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 July 2026