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

Tucker, the Special Agent in Charge for Texas and Oklahoma, said visitors should leave with memories of Southern hospitality and brisket – not encounters with illicit drugs laced with a deadly dose of fentanyl. — Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 20 June 2026

Another told The Times she was arrested while high on fentanyl and had to detox without medication while chained to a metal bar for hours. — Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

And in every instance, nitazenes were detected alongside fentanyl, and often with a cocktail of other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and benzodiazepines. — Jonathan Moens — Bellingcat, STAT, 18 June 2026

Arce was sentenced to 60 months in prison in January after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 17 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.