Synonyms of compulsive

compulsive

adjective

kəm-ˈpəl-siv 

as in obsessive

caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge

his compulsive clowning around can sometimes be annoying

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obsessive
• impulsive
• obsessional
• driven
• spontaneous
• automatic
• instinctive
• uncontrollable
• besetting
• irrepressible
• reflex
• mechanical
• unconscious
• unpredictable
• unthinking
• involuntary
• conditioned
• knee-jerk
• whimsical
• capricious
• unwitting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• voluntary
• wilful
• willful
• manageable
• controllable
• unforced
• resistible

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of compulsive

David is tightly wound, neurotic, and obsessive compulsive, while manic Benji has a penchant for saying exactly what is on his mind. —Alex Jhamb Burns, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2024

Younger audiences, especially Gen Z, are becoming more aware of the environmental and psychological toll of compulsive shopping. —Dr. Mara Einstein, Deadline, 29 Nov. 2024

Listen to this article Loading your audio article An odd thing was happening in the run-up to Tuesday’s election that few apart from compulsive market watchers were noticing but now looms large in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s election to a second term. —Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2024

Quezada is diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 1 Nov. 2024