hypnotic

adjective

hyp·not·ic | \hip-ˈnä-tik

Definition of hypnotic

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : tending to produce sleep : soporific

2a : of or relating to hypnosis or hypnotism

b : readily holding the attention a hypnotic personality a simple hypnotic beat

hypnotic

noun

Definition of hypnotic (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a sleep-inducing agent : soporific

2 : one that is or can be hypnotized

Other Words from hypnotic Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about hypnotic

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Synonyms & Antonyms for hypnotic

Synonyms: Adjective

drowsy, narcotic, opiate, slumberous (or slumbrous), somnolent, soporific

Antonyms: Adjective

stimulant

Examples of hypnotic in a Sentence

Adjective

The psychologist put her into a hypnotic state. Riding in a car often has a hypnotic effect on babies. the steady, hypnotic rhythm of the train

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

The stage, thanks to the set design by Eagle Innovations Factory, revolves around a hypnotic backdrop to bring Cathy and Jamie separately into view, each time sporting a new costume by Sean Quinn. — Hugh Hunter, Philly.com, "In 'The Last Five Years,' a marriage's end is recounted in musical storytelling," 3 June 2018 Gilpin, conveying Debbie’s commingled rage and guilt, is hypnotic in the scene, equally furious at Ruth and at herself. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "The Love Story of Debbie and Ruth," 10 July 2018 Diabate’s guitar playing is particularly liquid and hypnotic, with percussive taps and pulls off the strings giving every line an ornamental complexity. — John Adamian, courant.com, "Music Festivals And Concerts Not To Miss This Week," 18 June 2018 That 2015 thriller, written by Taylor Sheridan and directed with hypnotic verve by Denis Villeneuve, was a scary, serpentine plunge into the darkness and amorality of the Mexican drug trade. — Justin Chang, latimes.com, "Violent, self-admiring sequel 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado' gets lost in the desert," 26 June 2018 Both Baird and Peterson have moved beyond the rustic, ethereal folk weirdness of Spires' early days toward something more searching, hypnotic, and intense. — Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader, "Music / Post No Bills Taralie Peterson of Spires That in the Sunset Rise and Chicago noise veteran Andy Ortmann celebrate new albums," 30 May 2018 Truffaut draws out the book’s most surreally boring moments, devoting an entire scene to a hypnotic faux-interactive soap opera about assigning guest bedrooms. — Adi Robertson, The Verge, "HBO’s Fahrenheit 451 turns a warning about media into a tirade against tech trends," 19 May 2018 Many adults and coaches have issues with its apparent hypnotic effect. — Scott Springer, Cincinnati.com, "Fortnite and high school athletes: Moeller, New Richmond coaches face off in debate.," 11 July 2018 Soon, the streets were awash with the motor-powered people movers, and the hypnotic electric hum of someone opting to ride instead of walk could be heard around every corner. — Justin L. Mack, Indianapolis Star, "Electric scooters have taken over Indianapolis and they can smell fear," 2 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

There was no consensus among professionals in Cleveland over whether the availability of methamphetamine or the drugs known as sedative-hypnotics, such as Xanax, Klonopin or Ativan, has increased. — Laura Hancock, cleveland.com, "Report: Heroin dealers try to sell at methadone clinics, 12-step meetings," 7 July 2017 There are signs warning visitors not to use the spa while under the influence of hypnotics. — Richard Morgan, New York Times, "A Korean Spa Offers Saunas, Bibimbap and a Taste of Home in New Jersey," 2 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hypnotic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.