fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil How to pronounce fentanyl (audio)
: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C22H28N2O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C22H28N2O·C6H8O7 is administered orally or parenterally (as by intravenous or epidural injection)

Examples of fentanyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Trump has said the tariffs are necessary to pressure Canadian officials to increase security on the border and stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., but economists say American consumers will face higher prices as a result of the policy. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 The first wave of deadly overdoses were tied to OxyContin and other prescription drugs, and subsequent waves have involved first heroin and more recently illicit versions of fentanyl. — arkansasonline.com, 20 Mar. 2025 About 110 guns, trafficking quantities of fentanyl, and ammunition have been seized over the course of the investigation, which began last year. — Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025 Investigators said Willis’ DNA was found on the bag of cocaine and that Carson’s DNA was found on the bag of fentanyl, according to court documents. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fentanyl

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of phenethyl, a monovalent radical derived from ethylbenzine, from phen- + ethyl

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fentanyl was in 1964

Browse Nearby Words

fentanyl
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Cite this Entry

“Fentanyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fentanyl. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

fentanyl

noun
fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil How to pronounce fentanyl (audio)
: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C22H28N2O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C22H28N2O·C6H8O7 is administered orally or parenterally

Note: Fentanyl is marketed under the trademark Actiq.

More from Merriam-Webster on fentanyl

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fentanyl

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