psychoactive

adjective

psy·​cho·​ac·​tive ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce psychoactive (audio)
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs

Examples of psychoactive 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.
Two of these are tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the compound known for causing feelings of euphoria and relaxation, and CBD, which has no psychoactive effect. Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026 Methamphetamine and amphetamine are synthetic stimulants, while 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine are major psychoactive ingredients found in kratom, a supplement that can be used as a stimulant. Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 20 Jan. 2026 This legalized things derived from hemp that are not psychoactive, like CBD and agricultural products like grains and fibers for textiles. Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 16 Jan. 2026 The measure also legalizes possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis concentrates by adults, as well as cannabis edibles containing up to 2,000 milligrams of THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for psychoactive

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychoactive was in 1958

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Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

psychoactive

adjective
psy·​cho·​ac·​tive ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce psychoactive (audio)
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs

Medical Definition

psychoactive

adjective
psy·​cho·​ac·​tive ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce psychoactive (audio)
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs
THC is the principal psychoactive ingredient in marijuana
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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