anesthetics

plural of anesthetic
1
as in sedatives
something (as a drug) that relieves pain the dentist waited until the anesthetic took effect

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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

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 anesthetics In late March, Israel struck the factory of a major Iranian pharmaceutical company, Tofigh Daru, which produced active ingredients for anticancer drugs and anesthetics. — Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026 The monkeys were all given anesthetics and covered with sensors and probes that monitored their vitals. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2026 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anesthetics
Noun
  • Local clinics lack the most basic medications, like fever-reducing drugs and analgesics.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The physician performs a detailed history and physical examination, reviews prior films, discusses conservative management, and orders physical therapy plus non-opioid analgesics.
    — Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • Troutman is charged with conspiracy to possess narcotics with intent to distribute, Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right and racketeering promotion.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Snake Killer launched in January, with the four-parter followings a notorious Copenhagen narcotics police unit, Uropatruljen, a heavy-handed force that operated with relative autonomy between 1965 and 2001.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Encore likens bad breakups to immunocompromisation and kicking opiates.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The post showed tests failed to find traces of amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, methadone, ecstasy, opiates and buprenorphine, a prescription opioid.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Anesthetics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anesthetics. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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