obsessive-compulsive

adjective

ob·​ses·​sive-com·​pul·​sive äb-ˈse-siv-kəm-ˈpəl-siv How to pronounce obsessive-compulsive (audio)
əb-
Synonyms of obsessive-compulsivenext
: relating to or characterized by recurring obsessions and compulsions especially as symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder
an obsessive-compulsive personality
obsessive-compulsive behavior
obsessive-compulsive noun

Examples of obsessive-compulsive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Cage plays Roy, a gifted con artist with obsessive-compulsive disorder whose tics, phobias and elaborate rituals have turned his immaculate home into a fortress against the world. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Decker says she was diagnosed with postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder and psychosis and found help at The Motherhood Space in Jacksonville, Florida – a program that treats mood and anxiety disorders during and after pregnancy. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 These include excessive exercise, perfectionism, rule following, deference to coaches, high achievement and obsessive-compulsive traits. — Erin Harrop, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026 This anxiety can also happen with obsessive-compulsive disorder. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obsessive-compulsive

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of obsessive-compulsive was in 1927

Rhymes for obsessive-compulsive

See All Rhymes for obsessive-compulsive

Browse Nearby Words

obsessive
obsessive-compulsive
obsessive-compulsive disorder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

obsessive-compulsive

1 of 2 adjective
: relating to or characterized by recurring obsessions and compulsions especially as symptoms of an obsessive-compulsive disorder

obsessive-compulsive

2 of 2 noun
: an individual affected with an obsessive-compulsive disorder

More from Merriam-Webster on obsessive-compulsive

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for obsessive-compulsive

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