anti-inflammatory
adjective
an·ti-in·flam·ma·to·ry
ˌan-tē-in-ˈfla-mə-ˌtȯr-ē 
ˌan-tī-
variants
or less commonly anti-inflammation
ˌan-tē-ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən,
ˌan-tī-
: counteracting inflammation : used to prevent or reduce inflammation
anti-inflammatory painkillers
anti-inflammatory effects
an anti-inflammation diet
anti-inflammatory
noun
plural anti-inflammatories
Examples of anti-inflammatory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Research suggests that turmeric may be as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen in reducing pain and inflammation.
—
Lindsey Desoto, Health, 30 Oct. 2025
Both have anti-inflammatory and other functional properties.
—Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2025
Beyond cognitive benefits, lion’s mane also appears to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce oxidative stress – an underlying contributor to many chronic diseases.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
The oil is also anti-inflammatory, features a high amount of omega-3s and has a high smoke point of 535 degrees Fahrenheit.
—Emily Burns, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
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Lindsey Desoto, Health, 30 Oct. 2025
Both have anti-inflammatory and other functional properties.
—Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2025
Beyond cognitive benefits, lion’s mane also appears to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce oxidative stress – an underlying contributor to many chronic diseases.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
The oil is also anti-inflammatory, features a high amount of omega-3s and has a high smoke point of 535 degrees Fahrenheit.
—Emily Burns, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anti-inflammatory
Cite this Entry
“Anti-inflammatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anti-inflammatory. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
anti-inflammatory
1 of 2 adjective
an·ti-in·flam·ma·to·ry
-in-ˈflam-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-
variants
also anti-inflammation
: reducing or counteracting inflammation
Ibuprofen was the anti-inflammatory drug most commonly used, but others, including naprosyn, also were taken.—Laurie McGinley, The Wall Street Journal
Laurie McGinley, The Wall Street JournalMost anti-inflammatory drugs target the arachidonic acid cascade, which produces two major mediators of inflammatory responses, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Nonsteroidal drugs can dam only one side of the cascade—they block production of prostaglandins but leave the leukotrienes unaffected. Steroidal drugs block both routes, but their side effects can make them an undesirable, though sometimes irreplaceable, treatment.—L. Davis, Science News
L. Davis, Science NewsA recent boon to the eczema-prone is a growing array of over-the-counter cortisone anti-inflammation applications.—Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News
Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-Newsanti-inflammatory
2 of 2 noun
plural anti-inflammatories
: an anti-inflammatory agent : a drug (as aspirin or ibuprofen) that reduces inflammation
Without anti-inflammatories, gouty attacks subside on their own—but may require several painful weeks, as opposed to the day or two required with anti-inflammatories.—Harvard Medical School Health Letter
Harvard Medical School Health LetterLove words? Need even more definitions?
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