1
: of, relating to, or characterized by addition
an additive process
2
: produced by addition
3
: characterized by, being, or producing effects (such as drug responses or gene products) that when the causative factors act together are the sum of their individual effects
additively
adverb
: a substance added to another in relatively small amounts to effect a desired change in properties
food additives
Examples of additive in a Sentence
Adjective
certain drugs have additive effects when taken in conjunction with each other that one doesn't see when any one is used alone
Noun
a gasoline additive to reduce pollution
Recent Examples on the Web
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
Because even slight changes in processing (coating speed, temperature, additive mix) can change the outcome, the possible process recipes run into the millions.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2025
Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2025
Engine oil also typically contains tricresyl phosphate, or TCP, a toxic additive that can damage the nervous system.
—Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for additive
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.
Adjective
The brand does not advertise itself as being additive-free tequila in its marketing materials, something that admittedly more brands are hesitant to do because the CRT, Mexico’s tequila governing authority, has cracked down upon the practice.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
Because even slight changes in processing (coating speed, temperature, additive mix) can change the outcome, the possible process recipes run into the millions.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
Although generally recognized as safe for consumption, certain additives, such as carrageenan, may have negative effects.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2025
Engine oil also typically contains tricresyl phosphate, or TCP, a toxic additive that can damage the nervous system.
—Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for additive
Cite this Entry
“Additive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/additive. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
additive
1 of 2 adjective
ad·di·tive
ˈad-ət-iv 
: relating to or produced by addition
additively
adverb
additive
2 of 2 noun
: a substance added to another in small amounts to give or improve desirable qualities or decrease unwanted qualities
a gasoline additive
additives which color, flavor, or preserve food
Medical Definition
additive
1 of 2 adjective
ad·di·tive
ˈad-ət-iv
: having or relating to a value or effect that is the sum of individual values or effects: as
a
: relating to the sum of the pharmacological responses produced by the concurrent administration of two or more drugs capable of producing the same kind of effect
b
: having a genetic effect that is the sum of the individual effects
additively
adverb
additive
2 of 2 noun
: a substance added to another in relatively small amounts to effect a desired change in properties
especially
: an agent added to a foodstuff to improve color, flavor, texture, or keeping qualities
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share