obsessive
adjective
ob·ses·sive
äb-ˈse-siv 
əb-
1
a
: tending to cause obsession
b
: excessive often to an unreasonable degree
2
: of, relating to, or characterized by obsession : deriving from obsession
obsessive
noun
obsessively
adverb
obsessiveness
noun
Examples of obsessive in a Sentence
Many dancers are obsessive about their weight.
He is an obsessive workaholic who never stops thinking about his job.
an obsessive interest in space travel
The new therapy is supposed to help people control their obsessive thoughts.
Recent Examples on the Web
While micromanagement is typically associated with excessive and obsessive involvement in employees' tasks, Gallup research reveals that the issue is not too much involvement, but rather too little.
—
Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
The story of Captain Ahab’s obsessive quest to take revenge on the white whale who bit off his leg is an American classic and has been read in countless classrooms since its publication in 1851.
—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025
Fenn’s hunt drew thousands of searchers and at times led to obsessive quests, arrests and several deaths.
—Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2025
From a busy subreddit to a secret world of obsessive home and professional chefs to in-demand artisan carbon steel craftsmen who sell their wares by raffle ticket, the dedication and appreciation to carbon steel runs deep.
—Jordan Michelman, WIRED, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obsessive 
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Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
The story of Captain Ahab’s obsessive quest to take revenge on the white whale who bit off his leg is an American classic and has been read in countless classrooms since its publication in 1851.
—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025
Fenn’s hunt drew thousands of searchers and at times led to obsessive quests, arrests and several deaths.
—Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2025
From a busy subreddit to a secret world of obsessive home and professional chefs to in-demand artisan carbon steel craftsmen who sell their wares by raffle ticket, the dedication and appreciation to carbon steel runs deep.
—Jordan Michelman, WIRED, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obsessive
Dictionary Entries Near obsessive
Cite this Entry
“Obsessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsessive. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
obsessive
adjective
ob·ses·sive
äb-ˈses-iv
əb-
: of, relating to, having, or being an obsession
obsessively
adverb
Medical Definition
obsessive
1 of 2 adjective
ob·ses·sive
äb-ˈses-iv, əb-
: of, relating to, causing, or characterized by obsession : deriving from obsession
obsessive behavior
obsessively
adverb
obsessiveness
noun
obsessive
2 of 2 noun
: an obsessive individual
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