as in impulsive
caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge
intrigued by the man's obsessive counting of everyday objects
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Recent Examples of obsessive
After a few days of running in Burrito League, even a seemingly normal person can become transformed into an obsessive and committed ultrarunner, Coury said.
—
Frederick Dreier, Outside, 30 Jan. 2026
Wuthering Heights is a dark and gothic tale of destructive, obsessive, conflicting romance.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
Named for Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, White Whale reflects an obsessive pursuit of perfection.
—Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The fictional group’s leader, Peter (Denver Milord), is obsessive, driving his bandmates, especially the lead singer-songwriter Diana (Claire DeJean), to greater heights.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obsessive
Frederick Dreier, Outside, 30 Jan. 2026
Wuthering Heights is a dark and gothic tale of destructive, obsessive, conflicting romance.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
Named for Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, White Whale reflects an obsessive pursuit of perfection.
—Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The fictional group’s leader, Peter (Denver Milord), is obsessive, driving his bandmates, especially the lead singer-songwriter Diana (Claire DeJean), to greater heights.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obsessive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsessive
Adjective
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Intuition without reflection can become impulsive.—
Malana VanTyler,
Sacbee.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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Midmonth, your dreams will demand discipline, but by late February, impatience will spark impulsive moves that could ripple through your finances and alliances.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Some scientists think that the medications may even help with behavioral addictions, such as gambling and compulsive shopping.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
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And whether calculated or compulsive, Coplan’s public persona was about to become central to Polymarket’s story.—
Joe Wilkins Published Feb 4,
Futurism,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But obsessional online culture has sought to answer questions of origin rather than waving them off.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
12 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obsessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obsessive. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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