as in alcohol
a distilled beverage that can make a person drunk
she blamed John Barleycorn for the breakdown of their marriage
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Recent Examples of John Barleycorn
Santa Claus had triumphed over John Barleycorn.
—
Gary Kamiya, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Dec. 2021
Gary Kamiya, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Dec. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for John Barleycorn
Noun
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Lavery also fined Roberts $1,000 and ordered him not drink alcohol, enter a bar or liquor store, nor hunt or fish while on probation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
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In 2006, the city of Seattle passed an ordinance designating two core areas of the city as Alcohol Impact Areas, where the sale of 34 brands of high-alcohol content, low-price beer and wine products were banned.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Since then there have been sporadic signs of life regarding the venue, mostly to do with liquor licensing and permit requests, such as last October when a company called Dome Center LLC filed an application for a conditional-use permit.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
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As for HeadFlyer, Miller said that their drinks will still be sold at restaurants and liquor stores.—
Conor Wight,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, flashlights, jackets, drinks and snacks.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
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This Southern Whiskey-Cola Cake leans into the vanilla and warm spice flavor of the classic drink.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The aperitivo—mid-morning snack accompanied by booze—is a quintessential part of the Rastro experience, so pepper your bargain-sleuthing with boozy pit stops.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
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The drinks — sodas with fruit, cream, purées and other flavors added in — are especially popular among Mormons as a booze-free beverage option.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The coconut mojito was a personal favorite—a harmonious balance of sweet and creamy tropical fruit, sharp mint, and tart lime juice, laced together with local Bambarra rum.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
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The Hall of Famer now has his own line of top notch rum.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Ancient Mayans later believed cenotes were sacred portals to the underworld, where gods and spirits dwelled.—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Apr. 2026
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Ancient Mayans believed cenotes were sacred portals to the underworld, where gods and spirits dwelled.—
Ryan Brennan
April 4,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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