fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally (as by intravenous or epidural injection)

Examples of fentanyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Wallingford Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit was investigating a man suspected of traveling to Wallingford to sell crack cocaine and fentanyl, according to police. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2026

The campaign is intended to warn visitors that fentanyl can be present in illicit drugs and counterfeit pills that resemble legitimate prescription medications, Schrock said. —Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026

Under his leadership, the office has become a state leader for its use of red-flag laws and championed the escalation of charges against reputed fentanyl dealers linked to fatal overdoses and parents whose neglect is alleged to have caused a child’s death. —Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 3 June 2026

Alvarado-Gil has focused on fire insurance, fentanyl and farmers’ concerns. —Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of phenethyl, a monovalent radical derived from ethylbenzine, from phen- + ethyl

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fentanyl

• bunnell
• funnel
• tunnel
• multifunctional

Medical Definition

fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally

Note: Fentanyl is marketed under the trademark Actiq.