habit-forming

adjective

hab·​it-form·​ing ˈha-bət-ˌfȯr-miŋ How to pronounce habit-forming (audio)
: inducing the formation of an addiction
a habit-forming drug

Examples of habit-forming in a Sentence

warned the patient to be careful, because morphine can be habit-forming
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Or come enjoy a lunch of habit-forming sliders and chicken tinga nachos that are available as individual orders or big party platters. Andy Wang, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 The company sees the Refresher format as an opportunity to diversify its in-store offerings while giving guests more ways to engage with the brand in a format that feels flexible, approachable, and habit-forming. Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Launch a habit-forming brand tool, like a tracker or micro-app, that solves a real need and aligns with your mission. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 What Is Addiction Capitalism? Addiction capitalism refers to an economic model in which companies design technology products and digital platforms to be as habit-forming as possible. Mary Johnstone-Louis, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 In their marketing, meanwhile, supplement companies consistently describe their melatonin products as drug-free, non-habit-forming, and safe. ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025 Pregabalin also has the potential to be habit-forming, meaning people can become dependent on it and require help stopping the medication. Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025 These non-habit-forming drinks contain safe, non-habit-forming ingredients. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025 Paya is a breezy wonderland where the habit-forming mussels taste like tikka masala and the scallop crudo pops with peaches, jalapeño and passionfruit. Andy Wang, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of habit-forming was in 1913

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Cite this Entry

“Habit-forming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/habit-forming. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

habit-forming

adjective
hab·​it-form·​ing
ˈhab-ət-ˌfȯr-miŋ
: causing an addiction
a habit-forming drug

Medical Definition

habit-forming

adjective
hab·​it-form·​ing ˈhab-ət-ˌfȯr-miŋ How to pronounce habit-forming (audio)
: inducing the formation of an addiction
a habit-forming prescription painkiller

More from Merriam-Webster on habit-forming

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