as in narcotics
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
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Recent Examples of opiates
These chemicals can be even more potent than other opiates and produce comparable hallucinogenic effects, increasing the desirability of the cut fentanyl on the market.
—
David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
Boston Magazine reported that during her training she was ultimately dismissed for administering opiates without a doctor’s order and leaving her shift early.
—Christina Coulter, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
Boston Magazine reported that during her training she was ultimately dismissed for administering opiates without a doctor’s order and leaving her shift early.
—Christina Coulter, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opiates
narcotics
Noun
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The woman was booked into the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on felony charges related to narcotics sales and weapons violations, as well as child endangerment, the sheriff’s office said.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
12 Sep. 2025
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Travis Mello and Niles Mello will also be charged with narcotics offenses and Conspiracy to Violate Controlled Substance Act.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opiates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opiates. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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