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

In the culmination of Sam Levinson’s HBO drama, Alamo kills Rue (Zendaya), an employee who has secretly been working as a DEA informant, by giving her painkillers laced with fentanyl. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 1 June 2026

The pills, of course, were laced with fentanyl. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 June 2026

Law enforcement also confiscated, 509 kilograms of cocaine, 48 kilograms of fentanyl, according to the document. —Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026

Ali later finds her, a moment that leaves him completely heartbroken, before testing the drugs and confirming they were laced with fentanyl. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 1 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.