as in dependence
a physiological need for certain drugs
an addiction to heroin
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Recent Examples of addiction
The proceeds will go toward the nonprofit, which seeks to support people living with addiction and move past the stigma that surrounds substance use abuse disorder.
—
Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
The county’s other shelters, some of which offer longer-term stays for mental health and addiction treatment programs, are mostly full.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Higher opioid doses present greater risks to patients, including fatal respiratory depression, overdose and addiction.
—Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
Through years of advocating for children, the princess—and mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—has come to understand that some of society’s most serious problems, from addictions to poor mental health, have their roots in the first five years of an individual’s life.
—Roberta Mercuri, Vanity Fair, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for addiction
Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
The county’s other shelters, some of which offer longer-term stays for mental health and addiction treatment programs, are mostly full.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Higher opioid doses present greater risks to patients, including fatal respiratory depression, overdose and addiction.
—Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
Through years of advocating for children, the princess—and mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—has come to understand that some of society’s most serious problems, from addictions to poor mental health, have their roots in the first five years of an individual’s life.
—Roberta Mercuri, Vanity Fair, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for addiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for addiction
dependence
Noun
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Trump’s first term was marked—and, in the view of those closest to him, limited—by its dependence on Administration officials who were, at best, skeptical of his aims.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
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High oil prices strengthen the case for renewable energy and reduce dependence on volatile supply routes.—
Fabiano Maisonnave,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/addiction. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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