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 investigation led to authorities identifying an individual who was trafficking fentanyl and cocaine in the Naugatuck Valley as Muniz, officials said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026

Filing murder charges against people who provide lethal doses of fentanyl is relatively new in California. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026

Trent Porter was indicted in April 2024 of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. — Mary Lyle, Arkansas Online, 22 July 2026

Adding to doctors’ worries are concerns about purity and dosing, because users typically buy from websites selling unregulated Chinese product— some of which comes from plants that previously produced the deadly opioid fentanyl. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 20 July 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.