purgative

noun

Definition of purgativenext
as in drug
a substance used to induce or speed up the process of defecation In the past, purgatives were sometimes administered in cases of accidental poisoning.

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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 purgative Sales of purgatives, tonics, syrups and patent medicines like Carter’s Little Liver Pills went through the roof as ordinary people were encouraged to closely monitor the frequency and quality of their bowel movements. — Elsa Richardson, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024 The persistent and sickening violence of Detroit could work as a powerful purgative, a corrective medicine for deprogramming those who doubt the reality of police brutality. — Josephine Livingstone, New Republic, 8 Aug. 2017 Blackshirts forced their opponents to drink castor oil and other purgatives, and then sent them home, wrenching with pain and covered in their own feces. — Michael Ebner, Slate Magazine, 30 Jan. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purgative
  1. drug
  2. remedy
Noun
  • In cell cultures, the researchers found that gamma delta T cells could kill the cancer cells when redirected by the drug.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Almost all Florida seniors will be affected as Medicare Advantage plans pare benefits and raise deductibles, while traditional Medicare sees higher Part D out-of-pocket spending caps and the elimination of $0-premium standalone drug plans.
    — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of drug
Noun
  • Unless lawmakers agree on remedies, all Social Security recipients will see a benefit cut of more than 20% in 2032.
    — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • But neither remedy has removed the need for fossil fuels and no price spike has changed the thirst for oil.
    — Wael Mahdi, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of remedy

Browse Nearby Words

pureness
purgative
purgatives
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Cite this Entry

“Purgative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purgative. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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