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, sleepy, slumberous (or slumbrous), somniferous, 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

Luckily, the hypnotic new track totally lived up to our expectations. — Kristin Harris, Seventeen, "Listen to Lana Del Rey's Mesmerizing New Single "West Coast"," 14 Apr. 2014 Perfect your hypnotic gaze with Seraphine Botanicals Chia and Camellia Eye Shadow Palette, which uses 100 percent natural ingredients to deliver nine head-turning shades. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What October's Libra Horoscope Means for You," 30 Sep. 2018 Further Reading Study: Tetris is a great distraction for easing an anxious mind Enhance Games' recent Tetris press tour included stories about the series' hypnotic effect on the human brain, whether via anecdotes or formal research. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Tetris Effect review: The puzzle game of my dreams—literally," 9 Nov. 2018 Many of Mingus’s compositions run close to or longer than 20 minutes and become hypnotic as soloists stretch out. — Marc Myers, WSJ, "‘Jazz in Detroit/Strata Concert Gallery/46 Selden’ by Charles Mingus Review: The Jazz Star’s Rocky Year," 5 Nov. 2018 You are lulled into a hypnotic state that dulls the senses and the prefrontal cortex. — Anne Slowey, Condé Nast Traveler, "Fear and Self-Loathing in the American Southwest," 25 July 2018 Cudi’s grumbling vocals and hypnotic humming has more often than not hit all of the right notes. — Andreas Hale, Billboard, "5 Things We Learned After Our First Listen to Kanye West & Kid Cudi's 'Kids See Ghosts'," 8 June 2018 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

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.