ANALGESIC Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

analgesic 1 of 2

noun

ˌa-nᵊl-ˈjē-zik

Definition of analgesic

as in sedative

something (as a drug) that relieves pain the doctor prescribed an analgesic and rest for my injured knee

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analgesic

2 of 2

adjective

as in anesthetic

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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 analgesic

Noun

But the 7-OH industry has organized against the potential prohibition, claiming 7-OH is kratom, despite only appearing in trace amounts within the leaves of the kratom plant, and that its benefits as an analgesic outweigh its potential harms. — Mattha Busby, Wired News, 15 June 2026 Here's what to know about the medication, a powerful painkiller that belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

Adjective

Some studies suggest lemongrass has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. — Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Dec. 2025 The eagle is also getting anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications because birds that fly into fences often get concussions. — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for analgesic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for analgesic

Noun

In 1961, however, studies in animals revealed that clozapine acts primarily as a sedative and exerts its effects without inducing muscle rigidity, as previous antipsychotics had.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026
Pike, 50, who was sentenced to death for a 1995 murder, was administered two doses of just one drug, pentobarbital, a sedative.

— Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of sedative

Noun

Authorities have issued bear-hunting permits across eight provinces and are seeking to procure tranquilizer dart guns to support rangers in rural areas.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Her husband hurriedly shut the door and begged her to see a doctor for a tranquilizer prescription.

— Elvira Navarro, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of tranquilizer

Adjective

People with thyroid disease, kidney, liver or heart problems, or those taking NSAIDs, opiate pain medications or certain antidepressants can actually take in too much water.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Because poppy seeds come from the same plant species used to produce opiates, consuming large amounts can sometimes lead to detectable levels of opiate compounds in urine tests.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 July 2026

Definition of opiate

Adjective

Going after Welker for an anodyne analysis that did not match the president’s perception of his endorsement results would be a stretch, according to the FCC’s own guidelines.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
At most points in American history, these would have read as pretty anodyne, even saccharine.

— Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of anodyne

Adjective

And in the Dominican Republic, DIY beatmakers disassembled and sped up reggaeton’s dembow riddim into hypnotic dance floor experience, paving the way for crossover sensations like El Alfa and Tokischa.

— Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026
Each feels expansively lush without ever losing that genuinely old school rock and roll momentum, in large part due to the hypnotic drumming of Adam Shumski and inventive lead guitars of Dan Ryan.

— Brendan Hay, SPIN, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of hypnotic

Adjective

Clancy’s psychiatrist already took the stand to discuss the defendant’s anxiety in September, which turned into insomnia in October, after she was prescribed the anti-depressant Zoloft.

— Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2026
At the time of the 1998 murder-suicide, Brynn had cocaine, alcohol and a prescription anti-depressant in her system, The New York Times reported.

— Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026

Definition of depressant

Browse Nearby Words

analects

analgesic

analgesics

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“Analgesic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analgesic. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of analgesic

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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