Meaning & use
additive
Last updated
a substance added in small amounts to something else in order to improve, preserve, or alter it.
See it in a sentence
The cereal contains no artificial additives or preservatives.
Engineers tested a new fuel additive designed to reduce engine wear.
A note on using this word
As an adjective, 'additive' also describes processes that work by combination or accumulation, as in 'additive manufacturing' (3D printing).
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. adjective
characterized by addition, or produced by adding parts together
The final score is additive, based on the sum of each round.
Make it your own
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