anodyne 1 of 2

adjective

ˈa-nə-ˌdīn How to pronounce anodyne (audio)
Definition of anodynenext
as in harmless
not causing or being capable of causing injury or hurt the otherwise anodyne comments sounded quite inflammatory when taken out of context

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

anodyne

2 of 2

noun

1
as in sedative
something (as a drug) that relieves pain the dentist prescribed an anodyne after the root canal

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in narcotic
something that soothes, calms, or induces passivity or a sense of security as an anodyne for the stress and superficiality of the modern world, there's nothing better than reading a literary classic of substance and insight

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 anodyne
Adjective
It’s meant to be like soda — kind of empty pop calories — to lull you into the seemingly anodyne sounds of the Saja Boys. — Charlie Harding, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026 Still, there are moments in this mostly anodyne recap when Liza — who turns 80 on March 12 and has fought a litany of health problems — lets loose. — Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
Ten years ago, lazy auto writers used the Toyota Camry as shorthand for anodyne transportation, a car for people who think of cars as appliances. — Ezra Dyer, Car and Driver, 13 Mar. 2020 The result of all that rulemaking and political sensitivity is the anodyne Covid-19. — Adam Rogers, Wired, 11 Feb. 2020 See All Example Sentences for anodyne
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anodyne
  1. harmless
  2. sedative
  3. narcotic
  4. benign
  5. analgesic
  6. opiate
  7. safe
  8. tranquilizer
Adjective
  • There’s a reason Hollywood thrives on harmless, lovable characters that turn into malevolent, even homicidal, threats.
    — Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • And while their appearance can be unsettling, earwigs are generally harmless to humans and pets.
    — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
Definition of harmless
Noun
  • 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
  • All Florida executions are carried out by lethal injection of a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections.
    — CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Definition of sedative
Noun
  • Youssef alleged the property later became associated with gang activity, narcotics activity, prostitution and violence.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • In Flossie’s new deal with Raq, her ladies now also deliver narcotics to buyers.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Definition of narcotic
Adjective
  • In the show, her tumor is benign, but doctors discover potentially cancerous cells growing behind the mass.
    — Max Gao, Variety, 11 July 2026
  • Acumen’s policy will allow patients to request an audience while meeting with a radiologist to determine whether a lump is cancerous or benign.
    — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
Definition of benign
Noun
  • But the 7-OH industry has organized against the potential prohibition, claiming 7-OH is kratom, despite only appearing in trace amounts within the leaves of the kratom plant, and that its benefits as an analgesic outweigh its potential harms.
    — Mattha Busby, Wired News, 15 June 2026
  • Across all participants, 81% reduced their use of oral analgesics, and the suppository was well-tolerated, with most participants willing to use it again.
    — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Definition of analgesic
Noun
  • So far this year, alcohol has become EPICC’s leading referral category, followed by methamphetamine and opiates.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
  • Once drug use crossed class and racial lines, the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act was passed in 1914, a federal law criminalizing the sale and use of opiates.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 May 2026
Definition of opiate
Adjective
  • All children’s summer camps in Kerr County confirmed their campers were safe, according to the county sheriff’s office.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Suzanne Engelke, the city’s alternative transportation analyst, said the traffic garden will provide a safe, car-free space where children can learn traffic safety while riding bikes, scooters and roller skates.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
Definition of safe
Noun
  • 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
  • The worrisome drug withdrawal popping up in jails A powerful tranquilizer has started to accompany fentanyl in the country’s illicit opioid supply, and jails are struggling to handle the drug’s excruciating, complicated withdrawal symptoms.
    — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 26 June 2026
Definition of tranquilizer

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Cite this Entry

“Anodyne.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anodyne. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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