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
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 At the dawn of the 20th century, American medicines were often laced with alcohol, opiates, or narcotics. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opiate
Adjective
  • The gunmetal details add an edgy contrast without dimming the base's hypnotic shine.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Each piece of wood, in varying shades and shapes, was plopped down one by one to bring the piece to life, resulting in an almost hypnotic design that shows off true marquetry mastery.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The warrant was issued as part of an investigation into narcotics violations, police said.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • According to court documents approving his pre-trial detention, Woods was already a felon and was on electronic monitoring in a federal narcotics case at the time of the shooting.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In Ohio, the recent trend among people who use fentanyl is to find pills spiked with an animal tranquilizer that causes severe addiction, said Beckman, of the Hamilton County Quick Response Team.
    Kaitlin Coward, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
  • According to court records, a powerful animal tranquilizer known as BAM — a combination of butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine — was found in her bone marrow.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, one of Iran’s largest producers of anti-cancer drugs and anesthetics was hit on Tuesday, state media reported.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Ketamine, which has long been used as an anesthetic, has drawn growing academic interest in recent years.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opiate. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.

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