opiate 1 of 2

Definition of opiatenext

opiate

2 of 2

noun

as in narcotic
something that soothes, calms, or induces passivity or a sense of security a cultural critic who argues that the Internet has now joined television as an opiate of the American people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 opiate
Adjective
Some researchers, concerned by reports of antidepressant withdrawal, suggest that the underlying mechanisms are similar to those faced by people suffering from alcohol and opiate withdrawal. David Cox, NBC news, 30 Nov. 2025 Taylor has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disease, and an opiate use disorder. Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025
Noun
But Clarke is worried about patients losing out on things like steroid injections, which help manage pain without opiates or surgery. Jillian Taylor, StateImpact, 16 Jan. 2026 At the dawn of the 20th century, American medicines were often laced with alcohol, opiates, or narcotics. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opiate
Adjective
  • The novel delivers all the frenzy of a gold rush with rhythmic, hypnotic prose.
    Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Whether built as a hypnotic, recurring shape, a rampant contagion or both, music this uncompromising and unpredictable always carries a message for those who need to hear it.
    Reed Jackson, SPIN, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Graves worked in various roles during his tenure with the Police Department, including the narcotics unit, property crimes division, violent crime division, tactical unit and special investigations unit.
    Ben Wheeler April 29, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Charges against Moya included narcotics importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices, along with another conspiracy count.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • As the tranquilizer kicked in, the bear climbed higher into the tree before stumbling down a branch, eventually losing its grip completely and falling into the net.
    Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Fentanyl in street drugs is in some cases being mixed with or supplemented by dangerous alternatives, including the animal tranquilizer medetomidine and cychlorphine, an emergent synthetic opioid that carries an extreme risk of overdose.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The prosecution condemned Murray's decision to administer Propofol in a home setting without proper monitoring equipment, using the toxic anesthetic as treatment for insomnia, and waiting an extended time to call 911.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
  • He was injected with the three-drug mix of an anesthetic, a paralytic and potassium acetate, which stops the heart.
    Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opiate. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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