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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Powell gave up alcohol during filming.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
-
The outlets added that Flores is on probation from a 2023 conviction involving a gun and DUI, which bars him from possessing firearms or drinking alcohol.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Jenny Vergara, a spokeswoman for the company, told The Star Clementine’s is still navigating the approval process of liquor laws in Kansas but hopes to offer its boozy flavors soon.—
Jenna Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
24 Sep. 2025
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This isn't Heughan's first entry into the world of liquor, however.—
Sonal Dutt,
PEOPLE,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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At the Typewrite Brunch 'n' Bowl, there will be brunch and drinks, typewriters to try out, free open bowling, a mechanical keyboard meetup and live music performed by Bitch Creek and Microplastique.—
Angelika Ytuarte,
jsonline.com,
26 Sep. 2025
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Once prized in ancient Persia, pistachios are now showing up in everything from chocolate bars to coffee drinks.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The question, delivered via pay phone, is an old security prompt, and Bob, with a memory fried by pot and booze, cannot remember the answer.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
26 Sep. 2025
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During Prohibition, waiters famously slipped sips of bootleg booze to patrons from flasks tucked inside their apron pockets.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Beer and a glass of Turkish coffee with rum.—
Zuzana Říhová,
Literary Hub,
26 Sep. 2025
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These days, options abound in terms of flavors, ranging from niche picks like mint chocolate chip and rum raisin to traditional chocolate and strawberry.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Then, in February, the 10-day Carnival fills the streets with music, parades, and inventive costumes featuring giant handmade masks that represent fearsome creatures, which scare away winter spirits, or joyful beings celebrating their retreat, dating back to ancient pagan customs.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
24 Sep. 2025
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The Scottish actor, best known for his role as the dashing Jamie Fraser on Starz’s Outlander, showcases his love of storytelling and entertaining with drinks that balance heritage and modern tastes in his new spirits guide The Cocktail Diaries.—
Sonal Dutt,
PEOPLE,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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