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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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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
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
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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
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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
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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