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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That reduced alcohol spending is not due to price changes, but because consumption is falling, the report said.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
5 Mar. 2026
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The blow keeps you awake and the alcohol lowers your inhibitions.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Husien then reportedly committed robberies at an unspecified minimart and at a San Jose liquor store on McKee Road, the latter allegedly at knifepoint.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
2 Mar. 2026
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The pair were also suspected in an armed robbery of a convenience store in San Mateo County on the same day, followed by an armed robbery at a liquor store on McKee Road in East San Jose.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Blue Bottle offers customers specialty coffee options, including a sweet and creamy New Orleans-style coffee, as well as espresso drinks and cold brew.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Our favorite finds include a set of chaise lounge chairs under $200, a compact bistro dining set available in spring-ready shades like pastel pink and eggshell blue, and a $30 side table that offers extra room for snacks and drinks.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The hottest mess in this brood, at least from outward appearances, is Josh (Thomas Sadoski), a firefighter battling demons, pills and booze.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
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The officer smelled booze on his breath, according to a police report.—
Mason Leib,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The small bar offers rum tastings and a menu of cocktails for enjoying indoors or on the outdoor terrace, which is especially pretty at sunset.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Mar. 2026
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The River Is Waiting follows Corby, a dad laid off from his job in an advertising firm’s art department, who secretly drinks 100-proof rum and abuses prescription medication while caring for his twin 2-year-olds.—
Eric Magnuson,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The spirits are all around here.—
Deborah Treisman,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
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The day event features a pop-up photo studio with celebrity photographer David Christopher Lee, along with brands across beauty, wellness, home and spirits — and puppies also available for adoption.—
Kirsten Chuba,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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