Definition of painkillernext
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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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 In recent days, young Knicks fans have been made to digest from their dreary Boomer elders heavy doses of old-timey hoops lore, but mainly about the 1970 title series, featuring Willis Reed’s limping, yet noble appearance in Game Seven, his injured leg shot up with painkillers. David Remnick, New Yorker, 14 June 2026 The first is a multibillion-dollar request to build a next-generation production facility for consumer health products, such as over-the-counter painkillers. Rita McGrath, Harvard Business Review, 4 June 2026 The season wrapped with the heartbreaking death of Zendaya's Rue Bennett, who overdoses on laced painkillers given to her by Alamo Brown (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje). Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026 But that’s not what happened in his story, where Rue was killed when her cover was blown, and her boss Alamo Brown (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) gave her painkillers laced with fentanyl. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for painkiller
Recent Examples of Synonyms for painkiller
Noun
  • In addition, a sedative such as diazepam (Valium) is often prescribed to reduce anxiety.
    Michele Promaulayko, Allure, 17 June 2026
  • The woman did a Google image search and concluded that the drug was stronger — Ambien, a prescription sedative, reads the complaint.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Across all participants, 81% reduced their use of oral analgesics, and the suppository was well-tolerated, with most participants willing to use it again.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • One approach to the treatment of pain, almost regardless of its cause, has gained both acceptance and notoriety: the use of opioids, or narcotic analgesics.
    Dr. Patricia Richard, Hartford Courant, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The worrisome drug withdrawal popping up in jails A powerful tranquilizer has started to accompany fentanyl in the country’s illicit opioid supply, and jails are struggling to handle the drug’s excruciating, complicated withdrawal symptoms.
    O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 26 June 2026
  • When Krem takes off in Kara’s spacecraft, a rusted hulk that’s like an interplanetary RV, and shoots her beloved dog Krypto with a lethal tranquilizer that will result in agonizing death in three days, Kara joins Ruthye on her revenge quest.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Painkiller.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/painkiller. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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