Synonyms of anesthetics

anesthetics

noun

plural of anesthetic

1

as in sedatives

something (as a drug) that relieves pain

the dentist waited until the anesthetic took effect

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sedatives
• analgesics
• tranquilizers
• painkillers
• narcotics
• anodynes
• opiates

2

as in narcotics

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

• narcotics
• opiates
• tranquilizers
• sedatives
• hypnotics
• anodynes
• security blankets
• palliatives
• pacifiers
• soporifics

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of anesthetics

Hospitals across the island face shortages of supplies including syringes, gauze, vaccines and anesthetics. — Andrea Rodríguez, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

The patient wouldn’t have had the benefit of modern anesthetics, but archaeological traces at other sites suggest Neanderthals knew about medicinal plants like chamomile and yarrow, as well as antiseptics like birch tar. — ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026

Injections of local anesthetics, such as Lidocaine, into the muscles or joints can reduce irritation, muscle spasms and abnormal nerve activities that result in pain. — Dr. Patricia Richard, Hartford Courant, 14 Apr. 2026

Meanwhile, one of Iran’s largest producers of anti-cancer drugs and anesthetics was hit on Tuesday, state media reported. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026

Modern medicine — with its new anesthetics and vaccines and innovative equipment — emerged around this time. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

Toward the beginning, students in the pilot learn about local anesthetics, handling instruments and positioning patients. — Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2025

He was given anesthetics to ease his pain. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 25 Nov. 2025

There is not much to say about that misadventure, other than that some people still haven’t gotten the memo about dissociative anesthetics and bathtubs. — Sam Lipsyte, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025