as in sedatives
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 painkillers
The only significant drug reference is a moment when Michael resists taking painkillers after his accident.
—
Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
The first began when Purdue Pharma, the company controlled by members of the Sackler family, aggressively marketed new prescription painkillers while downplaying their risks and generating enormous profits.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
In 2011, the actor went to rehab, having begun using painkillers after a sports injury.
—Erica Marrison, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
Before his departure from the show in 2012, Dane went to rehab for an addiction to painkillers.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Cloud battled migraine headaches due to a previous injury, which Levinson suggests was partly to blame — and perhaps an easy excuse — for his dependence on painkillers.
—Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2026
Multiple painkillers, sleep aids and THC were detected in his system.
—Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Drugged and dangerous Scientists found cocaine, caffeine and painkillers in sharks around Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, according to a study published in the journal Environmental Pollution.
—Devika Rao, TheWeek, 7 Apr. 2026
Police also reported finding two painkillers in Woods’ pockets.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
The first began when Purdue Pharma, the company controlled by members of the Sackler family, aggressively marketed new prescription painkillers while downplaying their risks and generating enormous profits.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
In 2011, the actor went to rehab, having begun using painkillers after a sports injury.
—Erica Marrison, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
Before his departure from the show in 2012, Dane went to rehab for an addiction to painkillers.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Cloud battled migraine headaches due to a previous injury, which Levinson suggests was partly to blame — and perhaps an easy excuse — for his dependence on painkillers.
—Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2026
Multiple painkillers, sleep aids and THC were detected in his system.
—Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Drugged and dangerous Scientists found cocaine, caffeine and painkillers in sharks around Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, according to a study published in the journal Environmental Pollution.
—Devika Rao, TheWeek, 7 Apr. 2026
Police also reported finding two painkillers in Woods’ pockets.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for painkillers
analgesics
Noun
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Here's what to know about the medication, a powerful painkiller that belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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Turmeric may have effects similar to those of analgesics, medicines used to relieve pain.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Painkillers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/painkillers. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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