addicted

1 of 2

adjective

ad·​dict·​ed ə-ˈdik-təd How to pronounce addicted (audio)
Synonyms of addictednext
: having an addiction:
a
: exhibiting a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity
addicted to heroin/alcohol/gambling
addicted smokers
b
: strongly inclined to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly
I'm addicted to great tomatoes, so I started two French varieties from seed and gave fully a third of my garden to them.—Chris Jerome
Like Sherlock Holmes, Maigret is perceived by addicted readers as a historical figure rather than a creature of fiction …—Mavis Gallant

addicted

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of addict entry 2

Examples of addicted in a Sentence

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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.
Adjective
And Elwood was battling his own demons, having become addicted to opioids prescribed after a hip operation. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 Wilson brought up actor Matthew Perry, who had been undergoing ketamine-infusion therapy and became addicted, leading him to acquire the drug outside the safety of a clinic. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026 Researchers say Meta's efforts to reduce the risk of children becoming addicted to the scrolling features of social media platforms have been largely unsuccessful. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 In the throes of postpartum depression after having her daughter, Kaya, Panettiere became addicted to alcohol and Klonopin, a prescription drug that can treat anxiety and seizure disorders but has a risk of dependency and withdrawal symptoms. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for addicted

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from past participle of addict entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

1546, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of addicted was in 1546

Rhymes for addicted

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Browse Nearby Words

addict
addicted
addicting
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Cite this Entry

“Addicted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addicted. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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