as in alcohol
a distilled beverage that can make a person drunk
she blamed John Barleycorn for the breakdown of their marriage
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Recent Examples of John Barleycorn
Santa Claus had triumphed over John Barleycorn.
—
Gary Kamiya, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Dec. 2021
Gary Kamiya, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Dec. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for John Barleycorn
Noun
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It was found that in Illinois, there is no legal time limit for when a driver has to take an alcohol test after a crash.—
Megan De Mar,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Officers arrived to find a large group of people were watching over a pen holding cash and drinking alcohol in the backyard where roosters were engaged in battle while a referee monitored the contest, the Sheriff's Office said.—
Scott Butler,
Florida Times-Union,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The participants reported their average weekly intake of beer, wine and liquor intake during four age periods — 18 to 24, 25 to 39, 40 to 54, and 55 and older.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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In 2021, Tatmon was observed loitering outside a liquor store directly across the street from the Sky Market with two other men, one of whom subsequently shot and killed Edward Morgan, 41, of Oakland, during a confrontation.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The speedy little Mercedes slipped beneath the truck, nudging it lightly in the belly, and contracted, crushing within itself two male bodies slack with drink and sleep.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
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Ticket holders will gather to watch the game together, connect with fellow readers, and enjoy catered food, drinks, and exclusive merchandise in a VIP lounge setting.—
Holly Alvarado,
Oc Register,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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After successfully negotiating with Castro over the prisoners, Fidel threw a lavish reception for Jackson, complete with wine, champagne, booze and food that was unimaginable to the average hungry Cuban.—
Peter Lucas,
Boston Herald,
17 Jan. 2026
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Thinking of cutting back on the booze for 2026?—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Classic rum babà is a thing of beauty.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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The owner of Pimento Jamaican Kitchen brought stanchions from his rum bar to the street to keep protesters separated from officers, working as a volunteer to ensure the demonstration remains peaceful.—
Kiki Intarasuwan,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Despite its name, the bar operates as a globally minded cocktail destination with equal attention paid to other spirits, along with small bites and an impressive cigar selection.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
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And for Dirty Shirleys, different spirits, including vodka, gin, tequila and vermouth can be substituted.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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