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

Relevance
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
  • Our office will continue working with the Homeland Security Task Force and our federal, local, and international partners to stop these trafficking pipelines and prevent dangerous narcotics from reaching our communities.
    Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Karl Oakman — chief of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department — said his officers collaborate with ICE to investigate criminal, narcotics and gang activity.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Microorganisms in thermal mud produce a variety of compounds with therapeutic properties, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and analgesics, the study found.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Turmeric may have effects similar to those of analgesics, medicines used to relieve pain.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Regardless of the reason, there are many viable options for testing for specific drugs at home, such as marijuana, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines and other drugs.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The illicit love story between the money launderer and the fentanyl trafficker working together to shower New England with deadly opiates came crashing down under the weight of a multi-year federal investigation.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • He was given anesthetics to ease his pain.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 25 Nov. 2025
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anodynes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anodynes. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster