as in obsessive
caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge
his compulsive clowning around can sometimes be annoying
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 compulsive
That compulsive need for authority is a quality that Reubens’ friends and family members observed in him, going all the way back to his childhood.
—
Dave Itzkoff, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
There are also potential long-term effects on kittens separated too early, with studies showing that kittens taken from their mother too early may be increasingly vocal in stressful situations or at higher risk of developing compulsive behaviors or aggression.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
But research on lottery winners shows the opposite: fast money often leads to long-term dissatisfaction and compulsive behavior.
—Shane Enete, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Polish doctors urged further investigation into compulsive frotteurs.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Dave Itzkoff, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
There are also potential long-term effects on kittens separated too early, with studies showing that kittens taken from their mother too early may be increasingly vocal in stressful situations or at higher risk of developing compulsive behaviors or aggression.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
But research on lottery winners shows the opposite: fast money often leads to long-term dissatisfaction and compulsive behavior.
—Shane Enete, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Polish doctors urged further investigation into compulsive frotteurs.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsive
Adjective
-
But my other obsessive pursuits did not possess that game-like quality, did not satisfy the thrill of the chase, of competition against myself.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
11 June 2025
-
Straight heads-down obsessive preoccupation with landing at AGI.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
Adjective
-
Although bad things do happen to him, they are often caused by his own careless and impulsive nature.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
-
Move slowly and be careful about impulsive ideas and actions.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Compulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsive. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share