fentanyl
noun
fen·ta·nyl
ˈfen-tə-ˌnil 
: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C22H28N2O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C22H28N2O·C6H8O7 is administered orally or parenterally (as by intravenous or epidural injection)
Examples of fentanyl in a Sentence
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At 26 of those schools, nitazenes — a class of synthetic opioids, some of which are over 5 to 10 times more potent than fentanyl — were detected, according to DPS.
—
Laura Bauer
april 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
Julia has reported on fentanyl in local schools, the aftermath of police shootings and crime trends in Charlotte.
—Patrick Wilson, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026
He was accused of running a crew that dealt crack, powder cocaine, heroin and fentanyl throughout Jamaica, Queens.
—John Annese, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026
That binding — along with effects similar to those of opioid drugs such as heroin, fentanyl or oxycodone — has led some experts and politicians to refer to kratom as an opioid.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
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Laura Bauer
april 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
Julia has reported on fentanyl in local schools, the aftermath of police shootings and crime trends in Charlotte.
—Patrick Wilson, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026
He was accused of running a crew that dealt crack, powder cocaine, heroin and fentanyl throughout Jamaica, Queens.
—John Annese, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026
That binding — along with effects similar to those of opioid drugs such as heroin, fentanyl or oxycodone — has led some experts and politicians to refer to kratom as an opioid.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fentanyl
Cite this Entry
“Fentanyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fentanyl. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
fentanyl
noun
fen·ta·nyl
ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil
: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C22H28N2O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C22H28N2O·C6H8O7 is administered orally or parenterally
Note: Fentanyl is marketed under the trademark Actiq.
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