analgesic

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of analgesicnext
: 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.

analgesic

2 of 2

adjective

: 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
analgesic drugs
a topical analgesic cream
also : caused by the use of analgesics
analgesic nephropathy

Examples of analgesic in a Sentence

Noun the doctor prescribed an analgesic and rest for my injured knee
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.
Noun
Turmeric may have effects similar to those of analgesics, medicines used to relieve pain. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026 The drug breaks ground as the first and only in a category of non-opioid analgesics to treat fibromyalgia. New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
The compounds in kratom show promise for their analgesic properties. Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 He was driven by the ambition to design the most potent narcotic analgesic possible. Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for analgesic

Word History

Etymology

Noun

noun derivative of analgesic entry 2

Adjective

analgesia + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1860, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of analgesic was in 1852

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Cite this Entry

“Analgesic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/analgesic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

: relating to, characterized by, or producing analgesia

analgesic

2 of 2 noun
: an agent for producing analgesia

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