opiate 1 of 2

Definition of opiatenext

opiate

2 of 2

noun

as in narcotic
something that soothes, calms, or induces passivity or a sense of security a cultural critic who argues that the Internet has now joined television as an opiate of the American people

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 opiate
Adjective
Some researchers, concerned by reports of antidepressant withdrawal, suggest that the underlying mechanisms are similar to those faced by people suffering from alcohol and opiate withdrawal. David Cox, NBC news, 30 Nov. 2025 Taylor has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disease, and an opiate use disorder. Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025
Noun
Two weeks prior, Francisco Manzo had started detoxing himself from opiates and was still experiencing symptoms of acute withdrawal syndrome and had not slept well, the attorney said. Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2026 But Clarke is worried about patients losing out on things like steroid injections, which help manage pain without opiates or surgery. Jillian Taylor, StateImpact, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opiate
Adjective
  • The race there begins somberly in the museum before runners bound up one flight of stairs into a hallway that leads into the main stairwell; from there, the steps settle into continuous, shallow right turns providing a repetitive, hypnotic cadence.
    Michelle Sinclair Colman, Curbed, 7 May 2026
  • Elevated rooms—some villas sit on stilts above the jungle floor, giving full treehouse vibes—offer total immersion within the thick, humid jungle, underscored by wild birds, hypnotic cicadas, and the swing of mischievous monkeys.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • The investigation allegedly found that Canada, Coley and others orchestrated the street level distribution of narcotics through other members of the conspiracy, officials said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • Part of the movie is set in New York’s downtown clubland and Firstman uses all kinds of lingo to describe various narcotics.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • As the tranquilizer kicked in, the bear climbed higher into the tree before stumbling down a branch, eventually losing its grip completely and falling into the net.
    Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Fentanyl in street drugs is in some cases being mixed with or supplemented by dangerous alternatives, including the animal tranquilizer medetomidine and cychlorphine, an emergent synthetic opioid that carries an extreme risk of overdose.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • All seven participants were anesthetized intravenously, with the common drug propofol being the main anesthetic.
    Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 6 May 2026
  • The prosecution condemned Murray's decision to administer Propofol in a home setting without proper monitoring equipment, using the toxic anesthetic as treatment for insomnia, and waiting an extended time to call 911.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opiate. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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