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
-
The search warrant was issued for a residence at 191 Talbot Avenue as a part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
12 Jan. 2026 -
The rhetoric, particularly about narcotics, aroused skepticism.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 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The draft guidance could shape clinical trial designs, labeling considerations and FDA review expectations for future prescription non-opioid analgesics seeking approval for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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At the dawn of the 20th century, American medicines were often laced with alcohol, opiates, or narcotics.—
Franklin Foer,
The Atlantic,
11 Jan. 2026
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ProPublica reviewed cutoff levels used to confirm the presence of common drugs, including opiates, meth, THC and cocaine, as cited in court records, labs’ contracts with government agencies and scientific journals, as well as in interviews with toxicologists.—
Lucas Waldron,
ProPublica,
6 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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“Anodynes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anodynes. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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