fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil How to pronounce fentanyl (audio)
: 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

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.
Of course, this coincides with the rise of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply and its associated carnage. Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026 Grandoit’s rap sheet included selling oxycontin, fentanyl and cocaine. Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026 Montanez allegedly got out of a vehicle and entered the one containing fentanyl before directing the driver to a service plaza on Route 15. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026 Homeland Security has said agents have seized thousands of pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl and other drugs in recent years that cartels were trying to fly across the border using drones. Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fentanyl

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of phenethyl, a monovalent radical derived from ethylbenzine, from phen- + ethyl

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fentanyl was in 1964

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Cite this Entry

“Fentanyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fentanyl. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

fentanyl

noun
fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil How to pronounce fentanyl (audio)
: 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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