alcoholism

noun

ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce alcoholism (audio)
Definition of alcoholismnext
as in drunkenness
habitual or excessive drinking of intoxicants a treatment center for those suffering from alcoholism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 alcoholism After training as a doctor and specializing in gastroenterology, Voegtlin had devoted most of his career to trying to find a cure for alcoholism. — David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 The actress struggled with crystal meth addiction and cocaine addiction after Full House ended its eight-season run and has also been open about her journey with alcoholism. — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026 Research has also shown that AI chatbots reproduce stigmatized messages about certain mental health conditions such as alcoholism and schizophrenia. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 18 June 2026 In the second season, we were introduced to Carmy and Mikey’s mother Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis), whose dysfunctions, including alcoholism, certainly helped create the family’s addiction to chaos. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for alcoholism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alcoholism
drunkenness
Noun
  • Authorities say Kristina Lopez Lujan is now charged with simple battery, public drunkenness, and disorderly conduct.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • States have generally applied Clean Slate to non-violent, low-level offenses like writing a bad check, drug possession or public drunkenness.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Definition of drunkenness

Browse Nearby Words

alcoholics
alcoholism
alcohols
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Cite this Entry

“Alcoholism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alcoholism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alcoholism

Nglish: Translation of alcoholism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alcoholism

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