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Definition of addictive

addictive

/əˈdɪk.tɪv/
ad · dic · tive
Adverb:addictively
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addictive Lexical Profile

addictive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing or likely to cause someone to become physically or psychologically dependent on a substance or behavior.

Example

"Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical found in tobacco products."

2

So enjoyable, engaging, or compelling that it is difficult to stop doing, watching, or consuming.

Example

"The new puzzle game is simple to learn, but its fast-paced levels are surprisingly addictive."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for addictive
Antonyms
View all antonyms for addictive

Word Nuance & Usage

In formal and medical contexts, 'addictive' is strongly preferred over the informal variant 'addicting' when used as a pure adjective (e.g., 'an addictive substance').

• Rhymes for addictive

• Nearby Words

addict
addicted
addiction
addictive
addictively
addictiveness
addie

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 20th century from the verb 'addict' (from Latin addicere, meaning 'to assign or surrender to') plus the adjective-forming suffix '-ive'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Addictive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/addictive
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