Definition of addictionnext
as in dependence
a physiological need for certain drugs an addiction to heroin

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Emerging research suggests semaglutide may have potential benefits for mental health and addiction. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Since then, she’s gotten into therapy to address the childhood trauma that led to her addiction and subsequent legal troubles. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026 The trial is a collaboration between the Center for Addiction Science, Policy and Research (a nonprofit focused on GLP-1s for addiction treatment) and the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in Pennsylvania. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 14 Oct. 2026 Currently, there is no medication that can be given to help addiction, Schwarz said, so treatment largely means therapy and counseling. — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for addiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for addiction
dependence
Noun
  • Compact optical clocks could eventually contribute to such systems by providing stable timing references onboard vehicles, reducing dependence on external signals.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • At Thursday’s Calgary rally and Friday’s Edmonton rally, the crowd erupted in its loudest applause when Carney spoke about reducing Canada’s economic dependence on the United States.
    — Rob Gillies, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/addiction. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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