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
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
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Recent Examples of anodyne
Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2025
The ferocity of the 4 Nations tourney has turned the concept of a bloodless, anodyne All-Star break on its ear.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 19 Feb. 2025
Adam Rogers, Wired, 11 Feb. 2020
To yield to the soft tyranny of transgender pronouns is to pretend that gender dysphoria is an anodyne lifestyle on which societal legitimacy should be conferred, not a psychological malady requiring compassion and psychological treatment.
—Josh Hammer, National Review, 27 Jan. 2020
See All Example Sentences for anodyne
Adjective
One clip documented the anodyne swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Rachel Levine, an admiral and a transgender woman, as an Assistant Health Secretary in the previous Administration.
—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2025
The ferocity of the 4 Nations tourney has turned the concept of a bloodless, anodyne All-Star break on its ear.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
The result of all that rulemaking and political sensitivity is the anodyne Covid-19.
—Adam Rogers, Wired, 11 Feb. 2020
To yield to the soft tyranny of transgender pronouns is to pretend that gender dysphoria is an anodyne lifestyle on which societal legitimacy should be conferred, not a psychological malady requiring compassion and psychological treatment.
—Josh Hammer, National Review, 27 Jan. 2020
See All Example Sentences for anodyne
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anodyne
Adjective
-
The drug was thought to be harmless and in Germany was sold over the counter.—
David Armstrong,
ProPublica,
8 May 2025
-
While most spiders found in homes across the country usually are harmless, some can be venomous.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
He’s injected with a sedative and wakes up in the book cage.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Dina was knocked out with a strong sedative, and Joel was shot in the knee.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Miami Police Department said its officers were serving a narcotics warrant.—
Clara-Sophia Daly,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2025
-
The sector’s chief patrol agent, Gregory K. Bovino, posted on social media that agents detained two child rapists and other criminals and retrieved 36 pounds of narcotics.—
Rachel Uranga,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The trade war wasn’t necessarily the main reason for the benign readings.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
-
Some people see gentle needling as the same as a compliment or benign conversation.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
There are also straight-up painkillers like OTC and prescription urinary analgesics (AZO, Cystex, Pyridium) that can temporarily numb things, as well as the usual acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and prescription opioids (though all of these mask, rather than resolve, symptoms).—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Many NSAIDs and other analgesics are available in topical form, like creams or patches, and can offer similar relief without the potential side effects to your gut.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Combs overdosed on painkillers in 2012, Ventura testifies Combs overdosed on painkillers in February 2012 and for a time had an addiction to opiates, Ventura testified.—
Nicki Brown,
CNN Money,
15 May 2025
-
Ventura said the hip-hop mogul was once addicted to opiates and overdosed in 2012.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, reformer David Hogg, who previously pushed for primary challenges in safe blue districts, may be sidelined—highlighting the tension between progressive and centrist factions.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
-
Six of nine planetary boundaries — the limits deemed safe for humans to enjoy stable and prosperous lives on Earth — have been breached.—
Nina Seega,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
These rapid deportations mean some innocent people are being denied the chance to clear their name in a U.S. courtroom.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
Seeing innocent people arrested for exercising their civil rights, sparked his desire to pursue a career in law.—
J.M. Banks,
Kansas City Star,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anodyne.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anodyne. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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