as in drugs
a substance used to induce or speed up the process of defecation
In the past, purgatives were sometimes administered in cases of accidental poisoning.
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purgatives
Noun
-
The two drugs have a different set of broader indications, with Zepbound also approved to treat sleep apnea in people with obesity, for example.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025 -
An Illinois State Police toxicology report that was completed on June 24 found that the driver did not have alcohol or drugs in her system, but did find bupropion (Wellbutrin, an anti-anxiety prescription medication), per the reports.—
Pam DeFiglio,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The big tech giant won’t be required to sell its Chrome browser — one of the remedies originally requested by the Biden-era Department of Justice.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Natural remedies include low-fat milk, yogurt, ginger, or chamomile tea.—
Ann Pietrangelo,
Verywell Health,
4 Sep. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Purgatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purgatives. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share