OPIATE Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

opiate 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of opiate

as in hypnotic

tending to cause sleep morphine is an opiate drug

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

opiate

2 of 2

noun

ˈō-pē-ət

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

From the late nineteenth century into the twentieth century, most opiate addicts were middle- and upper-middle-class (white) women. — Literary Hub, 22 May 2026 McClellan is hopeful that opiate settlement money could be used for the research. — Olivia Young, CBS News, 21 May 2026

Noun

So far this year, alcohol has become EPICC’s leading referral category, followed by methamphetamine and opiates. — Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 Once drug use crossed class and racial lines, the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act was passed in 1914, a federal law criminalizing the sale and use of opiates. — Literary Hub, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for opiate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opiate

Adjective

Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese artist known for her hypnotic, repetitive polka dot artworks, died earlier this week at the age of 97.

— Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Her hypnotic, unconventional works propelled her from near-obscurity to a place in the world’s most prominent museums.

— Juno Carmel, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of hypnotic

Noun

Although some agencies said the officers’ Flock searches appeared to be connected to legitimate narcotics investigations or training exercises, many took swift disciplinary action.

— Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
The group is also responsible for shootings, killings, kidnappings and assaults and the distribution of at least 340 kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced narcotics, Blanche said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of narcotic

Noun

Other monkeys, including some of the larger and more dominant macaques, had to be subdued with tranquilizer darts before they could be captured.

— Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
The worrisome drug withdrawal popping up in jails A powerful tranquilizer has started to accompany fentanyl in the country’s illicit opioid supply, and jails are struggling to handle the drug’s excruciating, complicated withdrawal symptoms.

— O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 26 June 2026

Definition of tranquilizer

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“Opiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opiate. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of opiate

adjective

noun

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