as in sedative
something (as a drug) that relieves pain
after her oral surgery, she was given a prescription for a mild painkiller
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Recent Examples of painkiller
Prosecutors said Valentin used a syringe to extract liquid painkillers (medical-grade fentanyl and midazolam) from patients’ vials for his personal use.
—
Nicole Acosta, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Sources later confirmed to PEOPLE that Prince had a quiet history of using the prescription painkiller Percocet.
—Alex Gurley, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
There are also straight-up painkillers like OTC and prescription urinary analgesics (AZO, Cystex, Pyridium) that can temporarily numb things, as well as the usual acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and prescription opioids (though all of these mask, rather than resolve, symptoms).
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 16 Apr. 2025
Hopped up on painkillers, Matt calls out for Karen — oops — while Heather is at his bedside.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for painkiller
Nicole Acosta, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Sources later confirmed to PEOPLE that Prince had a quiet history of using the prescription painkiller Percocet.
—Alex Gurley, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
There are also straight-up painkillers like OTC and prescription urinary analgesics (AZO, Cystex, Pyridium) that can temporarily numb things, as well as the usual acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and prescription opioids (though all of these mask, rather than resolve, symptoms).
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 16 Apr. 2025
Hopped up on painkillers, Matt calls out for Karen — oops — while Heather is at his bedside.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for painkiller
Recent Examples of Synonyms for painkiller
Noun
-
He’s injected with a sedative and wakes up in the book cage.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Dina was knocked out with a strong sedative, and Joel was shot in the knee.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Many NSAIDs and other analgesics are available in topical form, like creams or patches, and can offer similar relief without the potential side effects to your gut.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Peppermint Oil Peppermint oil is a topical analgesic that may help alleviate pain from tense jaw muscles associated with TMJ dysfunction.—
Christopher Bergland,
Verywell Health,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In 1980, Gallup asked whether Americans would object strongly to some presidential behaviors, including using tranquilizers occasionally (36% did), seeing a psychiatrist (30%), wearing jeans occasionally in the Oval Office (21%) and having a cocktail before dinner each night (14%).—
Karlyn Bowman,
Forbes.com,
5 May 2025
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However, in some cases, such as capturing and restraining a wild animal to relocate it, workers use tranquilizers or sedatives to make the animal sleepy, or cover its eyes and ears to reduce fear and prevent long-lasting problems.—
Rachel Blaser,
The Conversation,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Painkiller.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/painkiller. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
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