purgative

noun

Definition of purgativenext
as in drug
a substance used to induce or speed up the process of defecation In the past, purgatives were sometimes administered in cases of accidental poisoning.

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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 purgative Sales of purgatives, tonics, syrups and patent medicines like Carter’s Little Liver Pills went through the roof as ordinary people were encouraged to closely monitor the frequency and quality of their bowel movements. — Elsa Richardson, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024 The persistent and sickening violence of Detroit could work as a powerful purgative, a corrective medicine for deprogramming those who doubt the reality of police brutality. — Josephine Livingstone, New Republic, 8 Aug. 2017 Blackshirts forced their opponents to drink castor oil and other purgatives, and then sent them home, wrenching with pain and covered in their own feces. — Michael Ebner, Slate Magazine, 30 Jan. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purgative
  1. drug
  2. remedy
Noun
  • Imprisoned since 2004 and serving a life sentence, Buchanan was accused of directing drug sales, extortion, gambling and violence across San Diego County and beyond.
    — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • They were showered with expensive clothes, spa treatments, and drugs, and given weekly allowances ranging from $150 to $200.
    — Samantha Bergeson, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of drug
Noun
  • His attorney, Brian Williams, argued that the Fifth Amendment itself provides a legal avenue for seeking compensation, regardless of other remedies that may have been available.
    — Brian Unger, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • If symptoms persist through drugstore remedies, do not wait it out.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of remedy

Browse Nearby Words

pureness
purgative
purgatives
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Cite this Entry

“Purgative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purgative. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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