opiates

plural of opiate
as in narcotics
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

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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 opiates These chemicals can be even more potent than other opiates and produce comparable hallucinogenic effects, increasing the desirability of the cut fentanyl on the market. David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025 Boston Magazine reported that during her training she was ultimately dismissed for administering opiates without a doctor’s order and leaving her shift early. Christina Coulter, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opiates
narcotics
Noun
  • The official stated aim was to disrupt the flow of narcotics into the United States, with Venezuela identified as a central route used by trafficking organizations.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Washington wants to shore up Caribbean security ties, counter narcotics trafficking, and protect energy infrastructure (Trinidad is a major gas producer).
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Opiates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opiates. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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