narcotic 1 of 2

narcotic

2 of 2

noun

as in opiate
something that soothes, calms, or induces passivity or a sense of security an irradicable sense of self-righteousness seems to be the narcotic that inures these religious fanatics from any realization of the harm they have done

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 narcotic
Adjective
Shamar Walker, 23, was charged Friday with possession of a narcotic drug, a Level 6 felony, and misdemeanor resisting law enforcement. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025 Because of its narcotic effect at high pressure, nitrogen shouldn’t be breathed by humans at depths below about 60 meters. IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
Suddenly, the Syrian regime that had been Iran’s main ally in the Middle East, a conduit for arms to Hezbollah, the host to Russian military forces and naval bases, a major exporter of narcotics, and a supporter of Islamist terrorism was gone, and an opportunity to shape new Syria took its place. Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 19 Feb. 2025 The offloading of their massive narcotics haul — which weighs about as much as a full grown humpback whale and is estimated to be worth $275 million — comes days after search efforts were ended for 23-year-old Seaman Bryan Lee, according to the Coast Guard. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for narcotic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for narcotic
Adjective
  • On the record, audiophiles can hear celestial and gentle percussion, thumping bass, hypnotic synths, Gray’s own vocals, a buildup that crescendos into a drop that sparks pure elation, symphonic sounds and more.
    Lisa Kocay, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The somber drama has a cumulative spell, intensified by its hypnotic visual command and an atmospheric principal setting on Germany’s Hallig Islands.
    David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Tolerance is a side effect of many medications, such as opiates and benzodiazepines, which are often used to help treat pain and anxiety.
    Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025
  • A day later, a social worker told the new mother: The baby’s meconium — or first bowel movement — had tested positive for opiates.
    Shoshana Walter, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Parker Posey is especially good as a homemaker, Violet Ratliff, who arrives with a cache of tranquilizers—these are soon being pilfered and swallowed by her husband, Timothy (Jason Isaacs), a businessman about to be exposed for fraud.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025
  • He's been shot twice by bullets and other times by tranquilizer darts.
    Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Topical anesthetics were the least frequently administered, at only 8 per 10,000 IUD placements.
    Adriel Bettelheim, Axios, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The drug is related to ketamine, a common anesthetic that can have hallucinogenic effects and is sometimes misused recreationally.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The best facial massager for you will be the one that not only targets your primary skin-care concerns but also offers a soothing moment of self-care, keeping you coming back for more.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The scents are typically designed to smell soothing and sophisticated.
    Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In any case, chamomile flowers—which look like adorable, tiny daisies—contain flavonoids, terpenoids, and coumarins which certainly have mildly sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties.
    Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024
  • The population is impatient and the sedative effect of the impeachment process will soon wear off, which could mean new protests and instability if there are no significant changes in the short term.
    Moisés Costa, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2016

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Narcotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/narcotic. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on narcotic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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