methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈme-thə-ˌdōn 

variants or less commonly methadon

ˈme-thə-ˌdän 

: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug C₂₁H₂₇NO used especially in the form of its hydrochloride for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

Examples of methadone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Typical medications given to those in opioid withdrawal, such as buprenorphine or methadone, may not be sufficient to treat this constellation of symptoms. —Karen Alexander, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2025

Medications that reduce opioid cravings, including buprenorphine and methadone, are more widely available, in part because of insurance coverage provided by Medicaid. —Brian Mann, NPR, 24 Mar. 2025

This was noteworthy because methadone is highly stigmatized and often requires a daily clinic visit, whereas buprenorphine can be taken home, in batches, like other medications. —E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2025

Since the 1960s, methadone has been used as medical treatment for people recovering from heroin use. —Kate Bolduan, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

methyl + amino + diphenyl + -one

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for methadone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn 

variants also methadon

-ˌdän 

: a narcotic drug C₂₁H₂₇NO that is used to replace heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction

Medical Definition

methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn 

variants also methadon

-ˌdän 

: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug used especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₁H₂₇NO·HCl for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

called also amidone