habit-forming
adjective
hab·it-form·ing
ˈha-bət-ˌfȯr-miŋ 
: 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
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
Antidepressants can cause flu-like withdrawal symptoms, but the medications are not habit-forming, mental health experts say.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Feb. 2025
For the rest of the day, she’s freed from the compulsive, habit-forming pull of digital screens.
—Raj Goyle, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2025
That could be through habit-forming actions to help improve your daily movement, or by achieving your weight loss goals.
—Chloe Castleberry, Flow Space, 24 Jan. 2025
From heat-and-eat Factor meals and vegan Purple Carrot offerings to Noom's good habit-forming plans, these offers can help make your life a little easier and healthier!
—Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 24 Nov. 2024
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.
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
Antidepressants can cause flu-like withdrawal symptoms, but the medications are not habit-forming, mental health experts say.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Feb. 2025
For the rest of the day, she’s freed from the compulsive, habit-forming pull of digital screens.
—Raj Goyle, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2025
That could be through habit-forming actions to help improve your daily movement, or by achieving your weight loss goals.
—Chloe Castleberry, Flow Space, 24 Jan. 2025
From heat-and-eat Factor meals and vegan Purple Carrot offerings to Noom's good habit-forming plans, these offers can help make your life a little easier and healthier!
—Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 24 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Habit-forming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/habit-forming. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
habit-forming
adjective
hab·it-form·ing
ˈhab-ət-ˌfȯr-miŋ
: inducing the formation of an addiction
a habit-forming prescription painkiller
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share