1
as in sedatives
something (as a drug) that relieves pain
the dentist prescribed an anodyne after the root canal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in narcotics
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anodynes
Noun
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Detroit police said its narcotics unit officers served two search warrants Thursday in the 8300 block of East Jefferson Avenue.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026 -
Two people were also arrested for allegedly engaging police in pursuit and a man who was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The draft guidance could shape clinical trial designs, labeling considerations and FDA review expectations for future prescription non-opioid analgesics seeking approval for chronic pain indications, potentially influencing investment and development priorities in the pharmaceutical industry.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
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The drug breaks ground as the first and only in a category of non-opioid analgesics to treat fibromyalgia.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
17 Aug. 2025
Noun
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When Samson starts coming round in search of more of the morphine darts Kelson has been using to subdue him — not even zombies are immune to the appeal of opiates — Kelson starts treating his wounds, then joining him in his doses, then dancing with him to fragments of ’80s songs.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
17 Jan. 2026
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But Clarke is worried about patients losing out on things like steroid injections, which help manage pain without opiates or surgery.—
Jillian Taylor,
StateImpact,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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
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He was given anesthetics to ease his pain.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
25 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Anodynes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anodynes. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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