1
as in sedative
something (as a drug) that relieves pain
the dentist waited until the anesthetic took effect
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anesthetic
Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
In lab research, one potential concern is performing live dissections, once known as vivisection, without anesthetics or analgesics.
—Bob Fischer, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
Troy Bedinghaus, Od, Verywell Health, 1 June 2024
However, medication involving the anesthetic, ketamine, has shown promise in recent years for treating these hard-to-resolve depressive symptoms.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anesthetic
Noun
His demonstration reignited interest in Wells’ earlier work with nitrous oxide, Desai says, and the idea of using nitrous oxide as an anesthetic began to take hold, prompting its use to eventually become a standard part of dental and medical procedures.
—Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
In lab research, one potential concern is performing live dissections, once known as vivisection, without anesthetics or analgesics.
—Bob Fischer, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
If monitored anesthesia sedation and local anesthesia are used, anesthetic medication will be used to induce drowsiness.
—Troy Bedinghaus, Od, Verywell Health, 1 June 2024
However, medication involving the anesthetic, ketamine, has shown promise in recent years for treating these hard-to-resolve depressive symptoms.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anesthetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anesthetic
Noun
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Additionally, fentanyl has been used with other illicit drugs including the deadly xylazine, a veterinary sedative.—
Dr. Yifrah Kaminer,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2025
-
The autopsy report detailed that the sedative effects of the substances contributed to his drowning.—
Arick Wierson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Like many newcomers, Bustillo went through a rotation at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, starting with the appellate division and then moving into narcotics.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
26 Apr. 2025
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Not the first time Thursday’s speech was not the first time Kennedy had been upfront about his previous struggles with narcotics.—
Sandy Mazza,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The term is an adjective that has also become a noun, describing one of the most common analgesic procedures available in modern medicine.—
Stephen C. George,
Discover Magazine,
20 Feb. 2025
-
The analgesic drugs that are typically prescribed for short-term pain—such as following an injury or surgery—work by either reducing the inflammation that causes pain or changing how the brain perceives pain.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Animal tranquilizers enhance the user’s euphoric high from opioids, particularly in those who have developed a tolerance to the opioid.—
C. Michael White,
The Conversation,
7 Apr. 2025
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Sometimes, short-acting tranquilizers can help, but some of these same medicines can also cause sleepwalking.18 When sleepwalking is related to an underlying disorder or medication, treating that condition or switching medications may help.—
Ann Pietrangelo,
Verywell Health,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The child also tested positive for exposure to opiates.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2025
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During a search of his vehicle, officers allegedly located an off-white powder substance which tested positive for opiates along with two other substances which tested positive for cocaine, police said.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Come for the lingering glamour shots of Keene and Hyland, resplendent in their 1930s finery, stay for the hypnotic overhead shots of the rocky coast off Gull’s Point.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
18 Apr. 2025
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The short plunges viewers into a hypnotic, psychological clash between light and dark.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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While certain famous Coachella attendees tried their best to blend in, wearing anodyne T-shirts or trucker hats, there were plenty whose outfits glaringly stood out.—
Anthony Rotunno,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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The conflict at this point remains fairly anodyne by comparison.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anesthetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anesthetic. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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