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

The mother had tested positive for methadone, the medication prescribed to treat her opioid addiction. —Shoshana Walter, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid and is included in data related to hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, morphine and heroin-related deaths. —Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 9 Feb. 2026

Certain Opioids Grapefruit can interact with some pain medications, including opioids like oral oxycodone, fentanyl, and methadone. —Ross Phan, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026

As usual, this is my opportunity to plug Lev Facher’s great War on Recovery series, which included a story on how the rigid rules at methadone clinics can jeopardize patients’ recovery. —Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 4 Feb. 2026

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