compulsive
adjective
com·pul·sive
kəm-ˈpəl-siv 
1
: having power to compel
forced to resort to compulsive measures
2
: of, relating to, caused by, or suggestive of psychological compulsion or obsession
compulsive actions
a compulsive gambler
compulsive eating
Examples of compulsive in a Sentence
his compulsive clowning around can sometimes be annoying
Recent Examples on the Web
Balancing compulsive watchability with a touch of class, the company is still trying to break the mold while simultaneously catering to the masses.
—
Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Non-purging methods like compulsive fasting or excessive exercise following a meal are also sometimes diagnosed as a form of bulimia.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Colin is like a fledgling bird, all crazy-eyed intensity and compulsive chatter.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
It’s characterized by an intense fascination, often leading to unhealthy behaviors such as the compulsive seeking of information, and, at its very worst, stalking.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
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.
Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Non-purging methods like compulsive fasting or excessive exercise following a meal are also sometimes diagnosed as a form of bulimia.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Colin is like a fledgling bird, all crazy-eyed intensity and compulsive chatter.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
It’s characterized by an intense fascination, often leading to unhealthy behaviors such as the compulsive seeking of information, and, at its very worst, stalking.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for compulsive
Cite this Entry
“Compulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compulsive. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
compulsive
adjective
com·pul·sive
kəm-ˈpəl-siv
: caused by or subject to an irresistible urge
compulsive behavior
compulsively
adverb
Medical Definition
compulsive
1 of 2 adjective
com·pul·sive
-ˈpəl-siv
: of, relating to, caused by, or suggestive of psychological compulsion or obsession
repetitive and compulsive behavior
compulsive hoarding
a compulsive gambler
compulsively
adverb
compulsiveness
noun
compulsivity
noun
plural compulsivities
Prozac, which increases the amount of serotonin sloshing around brain circuits, seems to reduce the compulsivity of autism.
—Karen Springen, Newsweek
Karen Springen, Newsweek
compulsive
2 of 2 noun
: one who is subject to a psychological compulsion
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share