Definition of obsessivenext

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 obsessive March 2026 Prose's debut novel is centered around Molly Gray, a 25-year-old maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, a five-star boutique hotel, who has an obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette. Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026 Hjorth’s protagonists also turn that obsessive attention outward—to try to understand others. Honor Jones, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026 Mania of the week Graphomania — obsessive compulsion to write, also known as scribomania. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 This Swedish brand has built an empire that’s all about obsessive engineering, never gimmicks. Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obsessive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsessive
Adjective
  • But the relief of not having to wait for surgery mixed with the shock of the moment made Giese and her husband impulsive.
    Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The American president appears to have no clear end game for his war against Iran, and his seemingly impulsive use of military force may in fact enhance Xi’s call for a more balanced, pragmatic global order.
    Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Their lies are compulsive and habitual.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Experts estimate that only about 2 to 5 percent of gamblers will develop compulsive behaviors.
    McKay Coppins, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But obsessional online culture has sought to answer questions of origin rather than waving them off.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obsessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obsessive. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on obsessive

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