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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Drug and alcohol screenings came back negative.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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That approach often comes with tradeoffs, like cutting back on alcohol or budgeting differently to afford the classes and trainers who know their name and celebrate their wins.—
Olivia Wakim,
AJC.com,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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There’s no liquor license yet, but that’s pending.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Apr. 2026
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In fact, the common liquor, distilled from grains or potatoes, can be a natural alternative to many synthetic cleaning products and an inexpensive, shelf-stable swap in a pinch.—
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner,
Martha Stewart,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That means fewer meals before the game, fewer drinks after, and fewer visits to local shops and cafes.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
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This sturdy, durable iron coffee table provides a convenient spot for you and your guests to set drinks and snacks.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
16 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 bar highlights rum and Caribbean cocktail heritage, including guava mojitos and elevated classics like the Canchánchara.—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Apr. 2026
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In celebration of its centennial, La Concha has a slate of special events planned, including a 100 Years of Salsa series, rum pairing dinners in collaboration with Papa’s Pilar Distillery and a Gatsby-style Repeal of Prohibition brunch.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Hollywood and exhibitors alike are arriving in good spirits because people are actually going to theaters.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
12 Apr. 2026
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All four were reported to be in good health and good spirits.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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