anodynes

Definition of anodynesnext
plural of anodyne
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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anodynes
Noun
  • During the search, K-9 Drogo reportedly alerted police to narcotics being present in multiple areas of the home, Clark said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Authorities allege on July 21, 1993, Solis and two co-conspirators plotted a robbery of Guerrero, a narcotics supplier, at his Bronx apartment.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Here's what to know about the medication, a powerful painkiller that belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Turmeric may have effects similar to those of analgesics, medicines used to relieve pain.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Are laughter and lightness merely opiates, or tools of the revolution, or both, or neither?
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Offering 99 percent accuracy for five different drugs, this drug test has exceptional sensitivity for detecting opiates in urine.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Meanwhile, one of Iran’s largest producers of anti-cancer drugs and anesthetics was hit on Tuesday, state media reported.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Anodynes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anodynes. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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