narcotic 1 of 2

Definition of narcoticnext
as in opiate
something that soothes, calms, or induces passivity or a sense of security an irradicable sense of self-righteousness seems to be the narcotic that inures these religious fanatics from any realization of the harm they have done

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of narcotic
Adjective
The only comparable case in the last three years involved Los Nogales, a restaurant in Meeker, which allegedly dispensed antibiotics and non-narcotic cough medicines. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 3 Aug. 2026 The reform also significantly expanded access to medical cannabis by removing it from the country's list of narcotic drugs, simplifying medical cannabis prescribing. — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Noun
But in recent years, Fiji has seen a surge in intravenous drug use as the islands have emerged as a crucial transit point for narcotics being trafficked from the Americas to lucrative markets in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia. — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026 Investigators were said to have been looking for evidence that could lead to a drug dealer peddling lethal narcotics. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for narcotic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for narcotic
Adjective
  • What should be a relaxing weekend quickly veers off course as Chuck inserts himself into the group and tests the limits of their patience.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Common Mistakes Deadheading can be a relaxing task, but don’t overdo it.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The sheer force of the falls, crashing over jagged cliffs, is hypnotic, drawing millions of visitors each year.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
  • And while Cincinnati Bengals star QB Joe Burrow wasn’t quite as hypnotic, his team’s new-look defense fueled a 33-27 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and provided hope that Cincy can end a three-year streak of missing the postseason.
    — Michael Silver, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The post showed tests failed to find traces of amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, methadone, ecstasy, opiates and buprenorphine, a prescription opioid.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Summers’ blood tested positive for cocaine and opiates, according to Idaho State Police investigators.
    — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Fascinatingly, however, the incantations are neither soothing nor conciliatory.
    — Eleanor Johnson, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Burnam did so as a form of protest because O’Hare kicked out another speaker, Base Mego, shortly before for picking up the microphone as a soothing tactic.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Her husband hurriedly shut the door and begged her to see a doctor for a tranquilizer prescription.
    — Elvira Navarro, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Agent Foster, posing as a city cop, has brought a tranquilizer gun to knock out Reacher and stage his suicide.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • To sort of have that guarantee that people really care about something is really comforting as an actor and really exciting.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, pumpkin bread is one of those comforting treats that embodies the season for me.
    — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In late March, Israel struck the factory of a major Iranian pharmaceutical company, Tofigh Daru, which produced active ingredients for anticancer drugs and anesthetics.
    — Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The monkeys were all given anesthetics and covered with sensors and probes that monitored their vitals.
    — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • As the lethal dose of the sedative pentobarbital began flowing, Ramey took a deep breath, sputtered and began snoring.
    — MICHAEL GRACZYK, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Her pencil produced a soft scrubbing sound, filling the room with a sedative rhythm.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Narcotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/narcotic. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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