as in obsessive
caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge
his compulsive clowning around can sometimes be annoying
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Recent Examples of compulsive
Their extraordinary ability seems to come from a habitual, even compulsive, reflection on their past and a focus on anchoring memories to dates.
—
Gabrielle Principe, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
For some people, compulsive shopping and overspending can become an addiction.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
As a result, persons suffer from addictive, obsessive or compulsive behaviors.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
On top of physical and mental challenges, Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) can cause behavioral issues like compulsive behaviors and difficulty controlling emotions.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Gabrielle Principe, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
For some people, compulsive shopping and overspending can become an addiction.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
As a result, persons suffer from addictive, obsessive or compulsive behaviors.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
On top of physical and mental challenges, Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) can cause behavioral issues like compulsive behaviors and difficulty controlling emotions.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsive
Adjective
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Obsession, Curry Barker’s indie horror thriller about dangerous obsessive behavior, is winning over Rotten Tomatoes critics.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
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If grass eating is new, sudden, obsessive or comes packaged with any of the symptoms listed above, a vet visit is in order, according to Guilfoyle.—
Diana Bocco,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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Abstaining from highly reinforcing digital or other vices can break habits and reduce impulsive behavior such as phone checking.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
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For instance, Mercury in Taurus prefers logic, stability and tangible facts, but Neptune in Aries adds a layer of impulsive fantasy and projection that can override common sense.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Compulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsive. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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