as in drugs
a substance used to induce or speed up the process of defecation
Epsom salts, when ingested, act as a cathartic.
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cathartics
Noun
-
So far this year, 17 tons of illicit drugs, mostly cocaine, have been seized in the Pacific region – more than three times the total across the whole of last year, according to the Australian Federal Police.
-
In January, the military government claimed the country’s largest-ever seizures of illicit drugs and drug-manufacturing equipment, taken from a total of 12 drug production sites during a series of raids in the northern part of Shan state.
Noun
-
People on certain medications, older people and those who aren’t heat-acclimated are among the most at risk.
-
And there are more non-hormonal medications now, as well as lifestyle changes and therapy.
Noun
-
In Pasadena, volunteers at the restaurant Chamo Venezuelan Cuisine collected supplies, issuing a special plea for bandages, gauze, painkillers and other over-the-counter medicines.
-
The collection also accepts medical sharps, including diabetic needles, blood lancets, insulin pens, epi-pens, syringes, expired over-the-counter medicines and non-narcotic prescriptions.
Noun
-
Today, industries ranging from food and beverage production to chemicals and pharmaceuticals rely heavily on natural gas, oil, and other fossil fuels to generate heat.
-
The goods most likely to make the sailboat journey include wine, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Noun
-
Many families have their own remedies for treating these pesky bites—but as the old saying goes, prevention is better than the cure.
-
The federal judge presiding over the case will ultimately decide whether to approve the settlement and the remedies in light of the verdict.
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.
Cite this Entry
“Cathartics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cathartics. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
