as in obsessive
caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge
had an obsessional need to be liked by everybody
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 obsessional
But obsessional online culture has sought to answer questions of origin rather than waving them off.
—
Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2025
Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsessional
Adjective
-
Felder, an architect with an obsessive streak, thought extensively about the design of his banner, ultimately opting for a white sign with lettering the precise shade of blue as the Star of David on the Israeli flag.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
What about a former Directioner superfan to freak out Niall Horan with their obsessive knowledge?—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Symptoms include short-term memory loss, anxiety, and impulsive behaviour.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Soon after, Mercury will collide with Mars, increasing the likelihood of heated debates and impulsive reactions.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obsessional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obsessional. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
