1
as in sedative
something (as a drug) that relieves pain
the dentist waited until the anesthetic took effect
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in narcotic
something that soothes, calms, or induces passivity or a sense of security
he used total immersion in his job as an anesthetic for the empty shell that his marriage had become
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in analgesic
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anesthetic
Martha Ross, Mercury News, 25 Nov. 2025
This is a woman who, on her way up from humble roots, got herself a breast augmentation without anesthetic to save the money.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2025
Supplements That Interfere With Anesthesia Certain supplements can interact negatively with anesthetic medications, which are given before surgery to prevent feeling pain or discomfort during the procedure.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anesthetic
Noun
He was given anesthetics to ease his pain.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 25 Nov. 2025
This is a woman who, on her way up from humble roots, got herself a breast augmentation without anesthetic to save the money.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Perry died in 2023 at age 54 from the acute effects of the anesthetic ketamine with drowning a contributing factor.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2025
Supplements That Interfere With Anesthesia Certain supplements can interact negatively with anesthetic medications, which are given before surgery to prevent feeling pain or discomfort during the procedure.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anesthetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anesthetic
Noun
-
All Florida executions are carried out via lethal injection using a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2026
-
All Florida executions are carried out by injecting a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections.—
CBS Miami Team,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Evanchec said authorities executed 14 warrants to seize narcotics, guns and other evidence.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Lab results confirmed the narcotics totaled 125 grams of cocaine and nearly 300 grams of cannabis, according to the complaint.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Epibatidine intrigued researchers for decades and was once highly sought after as a potential analgesic many times more powerful than morphine.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Some studies suggest lemongrass has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
8 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Those selling the drugs are replacing them with a less lethal, but very strong tranquilizer, called medetomidine, which results in severe withdrawal symptoms.—
Andy Sheehan,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
-
In many areas, the sheer toxicity of street drugs and the presence of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer associated with severe skin wounds that can require amputation, has led many users to avoid syringes at all costs.—
Lev Facher,
STAT,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Regardless of the reason, there are many viable options for testing for specific drugs at home, such as marijuana, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines and other drugs.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The illicit love story between the money launderer and the fentanyl trafficker working together to shower New England with deadly opiates came crashing down under the weight of a multi-year federal investigation.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The drink is known for its mild euphoria and depressant effects.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The mountain is incredibly hypnotic when catching the pearly hues of the first and last light of day and distils the unearthly beauty of the Himalayas into one gorgeous frame.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Stasevska was born in 1984, the same year that Glass’ hypnotic, ritualistic opera, about an Egyptian pharaoh who dared to push monotheism onto his polytheistic culture, debuted in Stuttgart, Germany.—
Tim Greiving,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Anesthetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anesthetic. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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