ADDITIVE Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

additive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈa-də-tiv

Definition of additive

as in cumulative

produced by a series of additions of identical or similar things certain drugs have additive effects when taken in conjunction with each other that one doesn't see when any one is used alone

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

additive

2 of 2

noun

as in subsidiary

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of additive

Adjective

While automotive and marine oils may use similar base stocks, the key difference is in the additive packages. — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026 In effect, the gains were additive, and doing both was best. — Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2026

Noun

Then, once the cell is exposed to sunlight, the additive undergoes a molecular transformation that enables it to bind tightly to the perovskite’s grain boundaries. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026 If the cylinder heads have been upgraded with hardened valve seats, the need for a lead additive is greatly reduced. — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for additive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for additive

Adjective

Etzel also addressed the debate over vaccines and autism, noting that critics of vaccines have often focused on the cumulative exposure children receive from multiple vaccines, rather than the safety of individual vaccines.

— Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026
The order Johnson signed on Tuesday tightens air pollution control permit reviews, sets new noise rules, and requires a cross-departmental review of data center impacts on energy, water, and cumulative environmental and community effects.

— Mikayla Price, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of cumulative

Noun

Zynga had been a subsidiary the whole time, without the paperwork.

— Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Taylor Farms is one of the nation’s biggest vegetable producers, and its Mexican subsidiaries are the source of more shipments of vegetable and salad products into the US than any other single manufacturer in the world, FDA import data shows.

— Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of subsidiary

Noun

While many people associate satay with Indonesia, versions of the dish are also enjoyed across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and other parts of the region, each with its own marinades, seasonings and accompaniments.

— Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
Olivia Wilde and Eva Victor co-star in the film, which notably uses its score as both musical accompaniment and an in-world story element.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 28 July 2026

Definition of accompaniment

Noun

Hathaway’s footwear served as a colorful complement to a light blue Prabal Gurung top with a dramatic high-low cut and a train, worn with baggy low-rise blue jeans that showed off her baby bump.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026
Little flecks of roasted sweet potato pepper the cake, and a tangy cream cheese glaze is a perfect complement to the warm spices and crunchy topping.

— Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of complement

Noun

And like ginseng was supposed to be like this magical supplement that, like, improved health and memory and all sorts of wonderful things.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
Thorne is loved by many supplement users for its rigorous quality testing and ingredients.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of supplement

Browse Nearby Words

additions

additive

additives

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“Additive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/additive. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of additive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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