methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈme-thə-ˌdōn How to pronounce methadone (audio)
variants or less commonly methadon
: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug C21H27NO used especially in the form of its hydrochloride for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

Examples of methadone 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.
Agonist therapies are treatments like those mentioned above – methadone and buprenorphine for opioid dependence – that help prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings. New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024 There's still disagreement over whether to attach separate legislation expanding the availability of methadone as an opioid addiction treatment. Peter Sullivan, Axios, 15 Oct. 2024 Research shows that opioid addiction medication — including drugs like methadone — can greatly reduce the risk of overdose deaths, and increase a person’s retention in treatment. Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2024 Some in the recovery community consider methadone and buprenorphine a crutch. Aneri Pattani, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for methadone 

Word History

Etymology

methyl + amino + diphenyl + -one

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of methadone was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near methadone

Cite this Entry

“Methadone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methadone. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

methadone

noun
meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn How to pronounce methadone (audio)
variants also methadon
: a narcotic drug C21H27NO that is used to replace heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction

Medical Definition

methadone

noun
meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn How to pronounce methadone (audio)
variants also methadon
: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug used especially in the form of its hydrochloride C21H27NO·HCl for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

called also amidone

More from Merriam-Webster on methadone

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!