an·al·ge·sic
ˌa-nᵊl-ˈjē-zik 
-sik
: an agent producing diminished sensation to pain without loss of consciousness : a drug that is used to relieve pain and produce analgesia
opioid analgesics
a topical analgesic
Aspirin and acetaminophen are the oral analgesics of first choice in the treatment of mild to moderate pain caused by cancer.—
William T. McGivney et al.
William T. McGivney et al.
: relating to, characterized by, or producing analgesia : relieving or lessening pain without loss of consciousness
Ginger, a member of the same plant family as turmeric, contains anti-inflammatory compounds and volatile oils … that show analgesic and sedative effects in animal studies.—Anahad O'Connor
Anahad O'Connoranalgesic drugs
a topical analgesic cream
Synonyms
Examples of analgesic in a Sentence
Noun
the doctor prescribed an analgesic and rest for my injured knee
Recent Examples on the WebJoshua Cohen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024
Narcotics are constituents or derivatives of opium that act as sedatives and analgesics.
—Andrew Weil, Harper's Magazine, 13 Dec. 2023
Taylor Tomlinson’s secret weapon is an even stronger analgesic: therapy.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 16 Jan. 2024
Potential pain and inflammation relief: Delta-8 has been associated with potential analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2023
Oral Gels Over-the-counter oral gels serve as topical analgesics that can temporarily numb the area, offering relief from persistent wisdom tooth pain.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2023
Gold Bond’s Maximum Strength Medicated Anti-Itch Cream includes a combination of topical analgesics menthol and pramoxine hydrochloride to address itchiness and irritation.
—Danielle Zoellner, Verywell Health, 5 Oct. 2023
The Pros and Cons of Epidural vs. 'Natural' Childbirth
Opioid analgesics
Though they aren't recommended for use later in labor, opioids are very effective in helping with early labor pain.
—Kristi Pahr, Parents, 3 Oct. 2023
The medication includes a local anesthetic that is usually combined with an opioid analgesic.
—Kristi Pahr, Parents, 8 Sep. 2023
Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2024
Pain relief: Like delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC may possess analgesic properties that could help in managing pain and inflammation.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2023
These products possess analgesic properties that can help alleviate mild to moderate pain symptoms.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 30 Aug. 2023
Moreover, research suggests that delta 8 THC may have analgesic properties that could help alleviate pain.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 Aug. 2023
From analgesic properties to neuroprotective effects, this natural compound holds promise for patients seeking relief from a range of conditions.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 4 Aug. 2023
While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, there is growing evidence that CBD oil may help people in several ways:
Pain Relief: CBD may have analgesic properties and could help alleviate chronic pain and inflammation by interacting with pain receptors in the body.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 27 July 2023
Some studies suggest that this cannabinoid possesses analgesic properties that can help manage discomfort caused by various conditions.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2023
The Best Zero-Waste Tea Accessories 6 of 9 Stress Relief Tea This stress relief tea combines the relaxing properties of chamomile with Tulsi, which has been shown to have antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
—Diane Hoffmaster, Treehugger, 22 June 2023
Noun
However, all three therapeutic categories in which switches occurred—anti-histamine, analgesic and head lice—already had multiple OTC options.
—Joshua Cohen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024
Narcotics are constituents or derivatives of opium that act as sedatives and analgesics.
—Andrew Weil, Harper's Magazine, 13 Dec. 2023
Taylor Tomlinson’s secret weapon is an even stronger analgesic: therapy.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 16 Jan. 2024
Potential pain and inflammation relief: Delta-8 has been associated with potential analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2023
Oral Gels Over-the-counter oral gels serve as topical analgesics that can temporarily numb the area, offering relief from persistent wisdom tooth pain.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2023
Gold Bond’s Maximum Strength Medicated Anti-Itch Cream includes a combination of topical analgesics menthol and pramoxine hydrochloride to address itchiness and irritation.
—Danielle Zoellner, Verywell Health, 5 Oct. 2023
The Pros and Cons of Epidural vs. 'Natural' Childbirth
Opioid analgesics
Though they aren't recommended for use later in labor, opioids are very effective in helping with early labor pain.
—Kristi Pahr, Parents, 3 Oct. 2023
The medication includes a local anesthetic that is usually combined with an opioid analgesic.
—Kristi Pahr, Parents, 8 Sep. 2023
Adjective
Natural Pain Reliever Kratom benefits individuals seeking natural pain relief, with some studies [2] supporting its analgesic effects.
—Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2024
Pain relief: Like delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC may possess analgesic properties that could help in managing pain and inflammation.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2023
These products possess analgesic properties that can help alleviate mild to moderate pain symptoms.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 30 Aug. 2023
Moreover, research suggests that delta 8 THC may have analgesic properties that could help alleviate pain.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 Aug. 2023
From analgesic properties to neuroprotective effects, this natural compound holds promise for patients seeking relief from a range of conditions.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 4 Aug. 2023
While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, there is growing evidence that CBD oil may help people in several ways:
Pain Relief: CBD may have analgesic properties and could help alleviate chronic pain and inflammation by interacting with pain receptors in the body.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 27 July 2023
Some studies suggest that this cannabinoid possesses analgesic properties that can help manage discomfort caused by various conditions.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2023
The Best Zero-Waste Tea Accessories 6 of 9 Stress Relief Tea This stress relief tea combines the relaxing properties of chamomile with Tulsi, which has been shown to have antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
—Diane Hoffmaster, Treehugger, 22 June 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'analgesic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near analgesic
Cite this Entry
“Analgesic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/analgesic. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on analgesic
Nglish: Translation of analgesic for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of analgesic for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about analgesic
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