lax·a·tive
ˈlak-sə-tiv 
: having a tendency to loosen or relax
specifically
: producing bowel movements and relieving constipation
: a usually mild laxative drug
Examples of laxative in a Sentence
Noun
The doctor prescribed a laxative.
Recent Examples on the Web
Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025
Senna tea is known to have a laxative effect and is often used as a remedy for constipation.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 18 Dec. 2025
Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025
One of the sugar alternatives in Zero Sugar Oreos can work as a laxative.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for laxative
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Adjective
It's said to work through a laxative effect.
—Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025
Senna tea is known to have a laxative effect and is often used as a remedy for constipation.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 18 Dec. 2025
Noun
Those taking multiple medications were also more likely to be taking benzodiazepine receptor agonists (taken for anxiety or insomnia), laxatives and psychotropic medications (mainly used for depression, anxiety, psychosis and other mood disorders).
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025
One of the sugar alternatives in Zero Sugar Oreos can work as a laxative.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for laxative
Cite this Entry
“Laxative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laxative. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
laxative
1 of 2 adjective
lax·a·tive
ˈlak-sət-iv
: tending to relieve constipation
laxative
2 of 2 noun
: a usually mild drug that helps relieve constipation compare purgative
Medical Definition
laxative
1 of 2 adjective
lax·a·tive
ˈlak-sət-iv
1
: having a tendency to loosen or relax
specifically
: relieving constipation
2
laxatively
adverb
laxative
2 of 2 noun
: a usually mild laxative drug
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