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
Examples of analgesic in a Sentence
Noun
the doctor prescribed an analgesic and rest for my injured knee
Recent Examples on the Web
Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 2025
In lab research, one potential concern is performing live dissections, once known as vivisection, without anesthetics or analgesics.
—Bob Fischer, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 20 May 2025
The term is an adjective that has also become a noun, describing one of the most common analgesic procedures available in modern medicine.
—Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for analgesic
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
Treatment Is a Possible Way to Avoid or Delay Knee Replacement
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, people can ease symptoms with medications, including analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen), and corticosteroids.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 2025
In lab research, one potential concern is performing live dissections, once known as vivisection, without anesthetics or analgesics.
—Bob Fischer, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
One of the primary appeals of medical marijuana is its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
—Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 20 May 2025
The term is an adjective that has also become a noun, describing one of the most common analgesic procedures available in modern medicine.
—Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for analgesic
Cite this Entry
“Analgesic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/analgesic. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share