opiate 1 of 2

Definition of opiatenext
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
From the late nineteenth century into the twentieth century, most opiate addicts were middle- and upper-middle-class (white) women. Literary Hub, 22 May 2026 McClellan is hopeful that opiate settlement money could be used for the research. Olivia Young, CBS News, 21 May 2026
Noun
So far this year, alcohol has become EPICC’s leading referral category, followed by methamphetamine and opiates. Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 Once drug use crossed class and racial lines, the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act was passed in 1914, a federal law criminalizing the sale and use of opiates. Literary Hub, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for opiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opiate
Adjective
  • View gallery - 4 images Watching skilled excavator operators work is almost hypnotic.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Their ancient origins are part of their allure, along with their hypnotic, pulsing movements.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Rocha Moya faces federal charges, including narcotics importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices, along with another conspiracy count.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • His criminal record includes pleading guilty in 2021 to felony possession with intent to sell Schedule II narcotics, which resulted in a prison sentence of two years and nine months, court documents say.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Other monkeys, including some of the larger and more dominant macaques, had to be subdued with tranquilizer darts before they could be captured.
    Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
  • The worrisome drug withdrawal popping up in jails A powerful tranquilizer has started to accompany fentanyl in the country’s illicit opioid supply, and jails are struggling to handle the drug’s excruciating, complicated withdrawal symptoms.
    O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The first drug is a fast-acting anesthetic, called etomidate, which wears off in about five minutes.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Jackson insisted the physicians administering her treatments used a general anesthetic to render her unconscious.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opiate. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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