HABIT-FORMING Synonyms: 6 Similar and Opposite Words

habit-forming

adjective

ˈha-bət-ˌfȯr-miŋ

Definition of habit-forming

as in addictive

causing or relating to a physiological need for certain drugs warned the patient to be careful, because morphine can be habit-forming

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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.

Recent Examples of habit-forming The protective effect was seen across a wide variety of addictive and habit-forming substances, including cocaine, opioids, alcohol, nicotine and cannabis, adding further evidence to a phenomenon previously flagged in smaller studies. — Nancy Lapid, USA Today, 5 Mar. 2026 Consumer platforms are designed to be intuitive, frictionless, and in many cases habit-forming. — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 27 Feb. 2026 The argument is that these products were built with dangerously habit-forming features—including the endless-scroll feed, algorithmic recommendations, and push notifications—that have led to an array of serious health problems. — Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026 Scientists theorize this happens because happy memories trigger the release of habit-forming chemicals like dopamine. — Sherri Gordon, Health, 12 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for habit-forming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for habit-forming

Adjective

In a landmark decision, a jury found Meta and YouTube liable for intentionally designing their systems to be addictive by using features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and push notifications.

— Schuyler Moore, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Berman speculates that Meta will next settle the school districts case, which stemmed from some 1,200 districts across the country accusing the Facebook parent and other social media companies of spreading intentionally addictive features.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of addictive

Adjective

The Best of Everything is just that—intelligent, heartwarming, exciting, addicting, and also heartbreaking.

— Air Mail, Air Mail, 22 Aug. 2026
Crunchy and creamy, tangy and briny, this dill pickle dip is an addicting concoction that will be welcome at any gathering.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026

Definition of addicting

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habited

habit-forming

habiting

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“Habit-forming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/habit-forming. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of habit-forming

adjective

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