Definition of painkillernext
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 During processing, two opioid painkillers (hydrocodone) were found in Woods’ left pocket, and he was formally charged with DUI, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026 The label was obscured, but the pills were stamped with the code for opioid painkiller Percocet. Iain Martin, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Legal experts compare it to landmark litigation against tobacco and opioid manufacturers that changed those companies' behaviors as well as the public discussion about the risks of cigarettes and prescription painkillers. John Ruwitch, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026 Reynolds went to rehab for his addiction to painkillers in the late 1990s. Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for painkiller
Recent Examples of Synonyms for painkiller
Noun
  • Monroe reportedly ingested a lethal dose of Nembutal, an anxiety medication, as well as a large dose of chloral hydrate, a drug used as a sedative.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Native to the Pacific Islands, its active compounds (kavalactones) act directly on the brain's GABA receptors much like a mild sedative and are typically used for acute anxiety or insomnia.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Local clinics lack the most basic medications, like fever-reducing drugs and analgesics.
    Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The physician performs a detailed history and physical examination, reviews prior films, discusses conservative management, and orders physical therapy plus non-opioid analgesics.
    Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • Other monkeys, including some of the larger and more dominant macaques, had to be subdued with tranquilizer darts before they could be captured.
    Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
  • The worrisome drug withdrawal popping up in jails A powerful tranquilizer has started to accompany fentanyl in the country’s illicit opioid supply, and jails are struggling to handle the drug’s excruciating, complicated withdrawal symptoms.
    O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 26 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Painkiller.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/painkiller. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!