painkiller

noun

pain·​kill·​er ˈpān-ˌki-lər How to pronounce painkiller (audio)
variants or less commonly pain-killer
Synonyms of painkillernext
: something (such as a drug) that relieves pain
pain-killing
ˈpān-ˌki-liŋ How to pronounce painkiller (audio)
adjective
or painkilling

Synonyms of painkiller

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Examples of painkiller in a Sentence

I took some over-the-counter painkillers for my headache. after her oral surgery, she was given a prescription for a mild painkiller
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.
None of that stupid drug story stuff or anything other than factual things about painkiller addiction. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 25 June 2026 Police officers found two hydrocodone pills, a prescription painkiller, in his pocket. — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 23 June 2026 He was arrested on a DUI charge in Florida in late March — painkillers were found in his pocket but no alcohol in his system — and sought treatment outside the country. — ABC News, 23 June 2026 Cathy says her daughter's addiction struggles began after a 2016 motorcycle accident, when doctors prescribed her painkillers. — Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for painkiller

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of painkiller was in 1849

Rhymes for painkiller

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Browse Nearby Words

painful to the touch
painkiller
painless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

painkiller

noun
pain·​kill·​er ˈpān-ˌkil-ər How to pronounce painkiller (audio)
: something (as a drug) that relieves pain
painkilling
-iŋ How to pronounce painkiller (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

painkiller

noun
pain·​kill·​er -ˌkil-ər How to pronounce painkiller (audio)
: something (as a drug) that relieves pain
painkilling
-iŋ How to pronounce painkiller (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on painkiller

Nglish: Translation of painkiller for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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