as in dependance
a physiological need for certain drugs an addiction to heroin

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 addiction He’s talked candidly about addiction, depression, and imposter syndrome. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 The doc chronicled Kerr's mixed martial arts career as well as his addiction to painkillers. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 Both remain busy making new music; Rodgers released a solo album, Midnight Rose, in 2023, while Kirke has written a stage musical about addiction that’s currently being shopped and is also planning his fourth solo album during the spring. Gary Graff, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025 Measures are in place to help people struggling with addiction, such as fentanyl test strips and the use of Narcan to rescue a person currently overdosing on opioids. Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for addiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for addiction
Noun
  • He’s said the program has helped more than 30,000 people either get off government assistance or decrease their dependence on it.
    Kirby Wilson, Miami Herald, 1 May 2025
  • China is the world’s largest producer of rare earth elements, and both the U.S and Europe have sought to reduce their dependence on Beijing, Trump’s chief geopolitical adversary.
    Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Develop active listening habits Practice focusing entirely on what others are saying rather than formulating your response.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Encourage critical thinking, discussions about activism or policy, and personal responsibility, such as changing their consumption habits or volunteering.
    Taylor Grothe, Parents, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Columnar varieties like those in the Pillar® Series are perfect for deck containers, with a narrow upright habit, long bloom period, and excellent heat tolerance.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
  • Women’s football, both recently and historically, has made tolerance, community and acceptance a vital part of its identity, particularly in the face of establishment authority and gender policing.
    Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 2 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/addiction. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on addiction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!