analgesic 1 of 2

noun

ˌa-nᵊl-ˈjē-zik How to pronounce analgesic (audio)
Definition of analgesicnext
as in sedative
something (as a drug) that relieves pain the doctor prescribed an analgesic and rest for my injured knee

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analgesic

2 of 2

adjective

as in anesthetic

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of analgesic
Noun
Here's what to know about the medication, a powerful painkiller that belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 Turmeric may have effects similar to those of analgesics, medicines used to relieve pain. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Some studies suggest lemongrass has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. — Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Dec. 2025 The eagle is also getting anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications because birds that fly into fences often get concussions. — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for analgesic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analgesic
  1. sedative
  2. anesthetic
  3. tranquilizer
  4. opiate
  5. anodyne
  6. hypnotic
  7. depressant
Noun
  • Monroe reportedly ingested a lethal dose of Nembutal, an anxiety medication, as well as a large dose of chloral hydrate, a drug used as a sedative.
    — Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Native to the Pacific Islands, its active compounds (kavalactones) act directly on the brain's GABA receptors much like a mild sedative and are typically used for acute anxiety or insomnia.
    — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of sedative
Adjective
  • Because of their large size, giraffes are challenging to move and position appropriately for anesthetic procedures.
    — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026
  • Because there is a depersonalized, anesthetic quality to it.
    — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026
Definition of anesthetic
Noun
  • My mother was addicted to a tranquilizer called sodium pentothal.
    — Gloria Steinem, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Other monkeys, including some of the larger and more dominant macaques, had to be subdued with tranquilizer darts before they could be captured.
    — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of tranquilizer
Adjective
  • People with thyroid disease, kidney, liver or heart problems, or those taking NSAIDs, opiate pain medications or certain antidepressants can actually take in too much water.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Because poppy seeds come from the same plant species used to produce opiates, consuming large amounts can sometimes lead to detectable levels of opiate compounds in urine tests.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 July 2026
Definition of opiate
Adjective
  • Going after Welker for an anodyne analysis that did not match the president’s perception of his endorsement results would be a stretch, according to the FCC’s own guidelines.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • At most points in American history, these would have read as pretty anodyne, even saccharine.
    — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of anodyne
Adjective
  • Each of these references is made to dance via hypnotic repetition, each graffitied by the sleek scratches that Flash made with his fingers on the vinyl.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Lee, already a master of absorbing dramas, has made what might be the most powerful, political, hypnotic film of his career.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of hypnotic
Adjective
  • Clancy’s psychiatrist already took the stand to discuss the defendant’s anxiety in September, which turned into insomnia in October, after she was prescribed the anti-depressant Zoloft.
    — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2026
  • At the time of the 1998 murder-suicide, Brynn had cocaine, alcohol and a prescription anti-depressant in her system, The New York Times reported.
    — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of depressant

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analects
analgesic
analgesics
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Cite this Entry

“Analgesic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analgesic. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on analgesic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about analgesic

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