as in sedatives
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 painkillers
At the end of the book, feeling heartbroken about Marcus’ involvement in Nancy’s death, Mary kills Howard by giving him too many painkillers.
—
Max Gao, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Medicines like antibiotics and painkillers ran out.
—ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
In their lawsuits, the city blamed the companies for contributing to the opioid crisis by failing to stop suspiciously large orders of painkillers to Baltimore pharmacies.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
Purdue sold painkillers for decades, and, while laws vary by state, generally doctors, hospitals and pharmacies must keep prescription records for only a few years.
—Craig R. McCoy, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
Jones was a sometimes violent alcoholic, and Wynette developed a lifelong addiction to painkillers after a botched hysterectomy.
—David Faris, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026
Purdue sold painkillers for decades, and, while laws vary by state, generally doctors, hospitals and pharmacies must keep prescription records for only a few years.
—Craig R. McCoy, ProPublica, 23 Apr. 2026
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
Max Gao, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Medicines like antibiotics and painkillers ran out.
—ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
In their lawsuits, the city blamed the companies for contributing to the opioid crisis by failing to stop suspiciously large orders of painkillers to Baltimore pharmacies.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
Purdue sold painkillers for decades, and, while laws vary by state, generally doctors, hospitals and pharmacies must keep prescription records for only a few years.
—Craig R. McCoy, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
Jones was a sometimes violent alcoholic, and Wynette developed a lifelong addiction to painkillers after a botched hysterectomy.
—David Faris, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026
Purdue sold painkillers for decades, and, while laws vary by state, generally doctors, hospitals and pharmacies must keep prescription records for only a few years.
—Craig R. McCoy, ProPublica, 23 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for painkillers
analgesics
Noun
-
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
-
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 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
