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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Margo’s father, Jinx (Nick Offerman), is a former professional wrestler who formed an addiction to painkillers after too many in-ring injuries. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2026 The cocktails lean toward the tropics, with painkillers, frozen piña coladas, and creative rum concoctions like the High Tai’d, a creamy blend of rum, pistachio, and yuzu curaçao. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026 Health officials said taking the painkiller increased the risk of having a kid with autism, even though the scientific consensus finds no link and untreated fevers carry their own risks to the pregnant person and the neurodevelopment of the fetus. O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026 Thomas Sandgaard started a foundation to help fund alternatives to painkillers and produced a movie on the opioid crisis. Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for painkiller
Recent Examples of Synonyms for painkiller
Noun
  • All Florida executions are carried out via lethal injection using a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections.
    CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • All Florida executions are carried out by injecting a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections.
    DAVID FISCHER, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Microorganisms in thermal mud produce a variety of compounds with therapeutic properties, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and analgesics, the study found.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Turmeric may have effects similar to those of analgesics, medicines used to relieve pain.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • According to court records, a powerful animal tranquilizer known as BAM — a combination of butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine — was found in her bone marrow.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Those selling the drugs are replacing them with a less lethal, but very strong tranquilizer, called medetomidine, which results in severe withdrawal symptoms.
    Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Painkiller.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/painkiller. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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