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
There are also concerns that taking ginger with strong painkillers such as morphine may intensify the drug’s effects.
—
Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 27 Aug. 2025
Though endorphins are just one of several types of protein molecules with this painkiller quality, the word is often used to refer to them collectively.
—Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
Clune observes the beginning of the opioid crisis, when prescription painkillers flooded the country and led to millions of people becoming addicted to heroin and fentanyl.
—Emily Witt, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2025
Up on the Enterprise, Batel is suffering badly and the painkillers don’t work anymore.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for painkiller
Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 27 Aug. 2025
Though endorphins are just one of several types of protein molecules with this painkiller quality, the word is often used to refer to them collectively.
—Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
Clune observes the beginning of the opioid crisis, when prescription painkillers flooded the country and led to millions of people becoming addicted to heroin and fentanyl.
—Emily Witt, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2025
Up on the Enterprise, Batel is suffering badly and the painkillers don’t work anymore.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for painkiller
Recent Examples of Synonyms for painkiller
Noun
-
Yet, unlike cortisol, oxytocin will have an effect on your body akin to that of a sedative.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Didn't go to the hospital just took Benadryl [antihistamine and sedative] for about two weeks.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Its pill, called Tonyma, is a nonopioid analgesic designed to be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly.—
Amy Feldman,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
-
The drug breaks ground as the first and only in a category of non-opioid analgesics to treat fibromyalgia.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
17 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The program tests for various drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and other opioids, as well as xylazine, an animal tranquilizer that authorities have warned is increasingly being found mixed in with other drugs.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Only when Teddy pins her down long enough to inject a tranquilizer is Michelle finally subdued.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Painkiller.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/painkiller. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share