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Synonyms

addictive

American  
[uh-dik-tiv] / əˈdɪk tɪv /

adjective

  1. null addicting producing or tending to cause addiction.

    an addictive drug.

  2. more than normally susceptible to addiction.

    an addictive personality.


addictive British  
/ əˈdɪktɪv /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or causing addiction

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • addictiveness noun
  • nonaddictive adjective

Etymology

Origin of addictive

First recorded in 1935–40; addict + -ive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In March, jurors in California found both Meta, and the owner of YouTube Google had intentionally built addictive social media platforms that harmed the mental health of a young woman.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

The longer these companies leave addictive, impairing features in place, the more plaintiffs they’ll create.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The finished product is indulgent and addictive, flavoring the humble chia seed with freshly brewed Thai tea, maple syrup and vanilla extract, alongside a dollop of homemade coconut whipped cream.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

But attorney Mark Lanier framed the surprise victory in L.A. for his client — who alleged Instagram and YouTube were designed to be addictive for young users — as nothing short of a cosmic triumph.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

Hip-hop’s addictive, and Aunt Pooh first got me hooked.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas