Synonyms of obsessive

obsessive

adjective

äb-ˈse-siv 

as in impulsive

caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge

intrigued by the man's obsessive counting of everyday objects

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of obsessive

The chef, Travis Lett, was obsessive about nearly everything—produce, sourcing, seasonality, herbs, spices, the chewiness of a hunk of sourdough or a pizza crust—and this obsessiveness resulted in a restaurant that was more or less flawless. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2025

According to those close to Selena, Saldívar began to show obsessive behavior. —Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Anxiety and depression: The fixation on having the perfect body can cause significant stress, leading to obsessive thoughts and constant worry over working out and food intake. —Alex Vance, Parents, 24 Mar. 2025

Franny’s devoted to careful, even obsessive statistical reporting on each new set of innings. —Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025