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
-
Contraband cellphones and narcotics circulated everywhere.—
Joe Garcia,
New Yorker,
12 Oct. 2025 -
Harmful substances, such as alcohol and narcotics, are typically regulated and controlled.—
Paul Solotaroff,
Rolling Stone,
12 Oct. 2025
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The draft guidance could shape clinical trial designs, labeling considerations and FDA review expectations for future prescription non-opioid analgesics seeking approval for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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These chemicals can be even more potent than other opiates and produce comparable hallucinogenic effects, increasing the desirability of the cut fentanyl on the market.—
David Ferrara,
The Enquirer,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Boston Magazine reported that during her training she was ultimately dismissed for administering opiates without a doctor’s order and leaving her shift early.—
Christina Coulter,
People.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The film chronicles Kerr's rise and peak, including his struggles with addiction to painkillers, roller coaster relationship with Dawn Staples (Emily Blunt), and the lowest points of his career.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Oct. 2025
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The film is based on the real-life story of Mark Kerr, a former college wrestler who battled trauma and an addiction to painkillers during the early years of the UFC.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
These vampiric bugs use needle-like mouthpieces to locate a capillary and inject saliva containing anesthetics and anticoagulants into its host allowing blood to flow freely into their stomachs for several minutes.—
Katie Nixon,
Nashville Tennessean,
23 Sep. 2025
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Other factors include the level of inflammation and how quickly anesthetics work.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Anodynes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anodynes. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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