opiate 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of opiatenext
as in hypnotic
tending to cause sleep morphine is an opiate drug

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opiate

2 of 2

noun

ˈō-pē-ət How to pronounce opiate (audio)
as in narcotic
something that soothes, calms, or induces passivity or a sense of security a cultural critic who argues that the Internet has now joined television as an opiate of the American people

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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 opiate
Adjective
According to Peter’s report, FWC investigators also found a Costa sunglasses case with drug paraphernalia in it, including needles, a syringe, a spook, cotton balls and a synthetic opioid pill prescribed to people trying to kick opiate addiction. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2025 Other interviews in the film discuss his later opiate addiction. — Katie Bain, Billboard, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
Patients taken to local hospitals responded well to Narcan administration, increasing the likelihood that the substances ingested were opiates, the release said. — Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 30 Apr. 2024 These draconian social measures against drug users and dealers were matched with similarly aggressive operations to prevent the flow of opiates across the border from Afghanistan. — Amir A. Afkhami, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2013 See All Example Sentences for opiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opiate
  1. hypnotic
  2. narcotic
  3. tranquilizer
  4. anesthetic
Adjective
  • His viral videos are hypnotic, hard-to-comprehend highlight reels, featuring explosive dunks and intricate maneuvers performed by the lightning-fast athlete, such as bouncing a basketball on a fast break behind his back and then picking up the dribble to score.
    — Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The bridge, however, uses compression and digital manipulation to conjure up a hypnotic effect, almost like a loop.
    — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of hypnotic
Noun
  • American firearms are ultimately part of the cycle of Latin-American narcotics headed north.
    — Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
  • This submissiveness in the teen-aged mistress Cassidy has found addictive, like a narcotic.
    — Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of narcotic
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
Definition of tranquilizer
Noun
  • Fentanyl is a powerful drug used as an anesthetic and painkiller in hospital settings.
    — Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Once used in leaded gasoline, the chemical compound is also known for its uses in the production of dyes, medicinal drugs and certain anesthetics.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of anesthetic

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“Opiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opiate. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on opiate

Nglish: Translation of opiate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about opiate

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