as in sedative
something (as a drug) that relieves pain after her oral surgery, she was given a prescription for a mild painkiller

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 painkiller This includes some cancer drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and painkillers, among others.15 Pesticides: Pesticides are chemicals that kill pests. Merve Ceylan, Health, 7 June 2025 The pain has been minimal and she's been able to mostly avoid heavy painkillers, while expressing how impressive and compassionate medical professionals at the hospital have been. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 24 July 2025 Rutherford alleged that Butler was selling large amounts of marijuana, prescription painkillers and steroids, as well as C-4 plastic explosive. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 22 July 2025 Or that key medicines have come from ocean discoveries, like a painkiller found in a sea snail? Berly McCoy, NPR, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for painkiller
Recent Examples of Synonyms for painkiller
Noun
  • Opioids: Often used with sedatives to provide pain relief.
    Pamela Assid, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
  • On top of this, older people are also more likely to take medications, such as diuretics or sedatives, that cause dehydration or further impact the body’s ability to sweat.789 Older adults are also more likely to have chronic diseases, which can worsen in extreme heat.
    Julia Ries, Health, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Hospitals were able to replenish their supplies of antibiotics, sterile gauze, analgesics, and surgical equipment.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 19 July 2025
  • This is a novel analgesic mechanism with no known risk of central nervous system side effects.
    Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • The medical staff gave her Xanax, a tranquilizer, and the painkiller oxycodone in pill form, according to medical records Sono Bello turned over to Schaeffer’s attorney.
    Fred Schulte, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025
  • According to the municipal code, tranquilizers can be used as a means of capture.
    Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Painkiller.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/painkiller. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on painkiller

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!