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
  • Then Schwarber worked a six-pitch at-bat only to hit a harmless groundout.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 25 July 2026
  • There are conceivable uses that might seem entertaining or harmless, such as interacting with a consenting celebrity or a recreation of a historical figure.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 23 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
  • Federal officials noted that Muniz’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics offenses.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
  • The Harris County District Attorney’s Office said lab results of the substance inside Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s white Ford van tested negative for narcotics or illicit drugs.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 25 July 2026
Definition of narcotic
Adjective
  • Heartbreak and rejection leave people emotionally vulnerable, and the manosphere pitch often comes paired with benign advice about standing up for yourself, being mentally tough, or becoming physically active.
    — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
  • Some incidents are benign, while others can be signs of something more serious.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 27 July 2026
Definition of benign
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of analgesic
Noun
  • Investigators said Summers was using his phone extensively before the crash, driving 73-75 mph, and tested positive for cocaine and opiates.
    — Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
  • Kratom helped Getz get work, build a life, and ultimately get off of opiates.
    — David Manheim, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026
Definition of opiate
Adjective
  • San Francisco, Lisbon, Tokyo, Christchurch are all cities that have been rebuilt stronger and safer after devastating earthquakes.
    — Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
  • TouchLab unveiled electronic skin, giving robots a crucial sense of touch for delicate handling and safe interaction.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 24 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 31 Jul. 2026.

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