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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Investigators believe that alcohol or drugs appear to be a factor in the crash as their investigation continues.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
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The Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser is free of synthetic dyes, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and alcohol.—
Katrina Cossey,
Parents,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Last year, multiple locations were seized by the Kansas Department of Revenue for thousands of dollars in unpaid sales and liquor taxes.—
Jenna Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2026
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Aldermen legalized video gambling machines in neighborhood establishments, restructured liquor taxes to bring in more revenue, cleared the way for advertising on downtown bridges and more.—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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At the time, Luciana was working as a bartender, and Matt and his film crew came in for a drink.—
Jessica Booth,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
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Conditions are expected to be excellent for the days before and after peak, so grab a warm drink and a blanket, settle into a chair, and enjoy one of the most dazzling meteor displays of the year.—
Michael d'Estries,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The cocktail menu includes four non-alcoholic drinks, including a booze-free Old Fashioned and a margarita.—
Sarah Blaskovich,
Dallas Morning News,
8 Jan. 2026
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The Bohemian waxwing even takes its name from its notorious penchant for booze.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Another rum-forward favorite worth seeking out at El Bembé is the white marble cocktail, made with white Don Q rum, crème de cacao, St-Germain liqueur, and clarified Greek yogurt.—
Amber Kallor,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
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Bacardi now owns a majority stake, controlling Teeling along with its eponymous rum brand, Angel’s Envy, Patron, and Dewar’s.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Despite its name, the bar operates as a globally minded cocktail destination with equal attention paid to other spirits, along with small bites and an impressive cigar selection.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
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And for Dirty Shirleys, different spirits, including vodka, gin, tequila and vermouth can be substituted.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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