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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Recent Examples of obsessive
Investors who spent decades funding consumer- and enterprise-tech companies have now made an obsessive turn toward weapons firms that operate like start-ups, founded by the type of entrepreneur who used to make Web browsers, social network platforms, or VR headsets.
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Simon Denny, Artforum, 20 Apr. 2026
Ganz is also a hotel obsessive and has the GMs of the world’s best properties on speed dial.
—The Editors, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026
When the film opens, on April 24th, Jackson’s obsessive fans will have a chance to render their own verdict, and so will what remains of the moviegoing public.
—Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
While on the stand, Spohr depicted Scott as an obsessive woman whose sartorial and beauty choices grew increasingly similar to her own throughout her affair with Serafini.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obsessive
Simon Denny, Artforum, 20 Apr. 2026
Ganz is also a hotel obsessive and has the GMs of the world’s best properties on speed dial.
—The Editors, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026
When the film opens, on April 24th, Jackson’s obsessive fans will have a chance to render their own verdict, and so will what remains of the moviegoing public.
—Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
While on the stand, Spohr depicted Scott as an obsessive woman whose sartorial and beauty choices grew increasingly similar to her own throughout her affair with Serafini.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obsessive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsessive
Adjective
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Meanwhile, today Uranus enters a part of your chart to stay for six years, encouraging impulsive vacations, surprising romance and unexpected children.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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Flinging himself onto Berry Gordy (Larenz Tate) for a hug, the kid’s impulsive need for affection is a gut punch.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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For some people, compulsive shopping and overspending can become an addiction.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
17 Apr. 2026
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As a result, persons suffer from addictive, obsessive or compulsive behaviors.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But obsessional online culture has sought to answer questions of origin rather than waving them off.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
12 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obsessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obsessive. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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