as in harmless
not causing or being capable of causing injury or hurt
the otherwise anodyne comments sounded quite inflammatory when taken out of context
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in sedative
something (as a drug) that relieves pain
the dentist prescribed an anodyne after the root canal
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in narcotic
something that soothes, calms, or induces passivity or a sense of security
as an anodyne for the stress and superficiality of the modern world, there's nothing better than reading a literary classic of substance and insight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of anodyne
Anthony Rotunno, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
The conflict at this point remains fairly anodyne by comparison.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Adam Rogers, Wired, 11 Feb. 2020
To yield to the soft tyranny of transgender pronouns is to pretend that gender dysphoria is an anodyne lifestyle on which societal legitimacy should be conferred, not a psychological malady requiring compassion and psychological treatment.
—Josh Hammer, National Review, 27 Jan. 2020
See All Example Sentences for anodyne
Adjective
While certain famous Coachella attendees tried their best to blend in, wearing anodyne T-shirts or trucker hats, there were plenty whose outfits glaringly stood out.
—Anthony Rotunno, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
The conflict at this point remains fairly anodyne by comparison.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
The result of all that rulemaking and political sensitivity is the anodyne Covid-19.
—Adam Rogers, Wired, 11 Feb. 2020
To yield to the soft tyranny of transgender pronouns is to pretend that gender dysphoria is an anodyne lifestyle on which societal legitimacy should be conferred, not a psychological malady requiring compassion and psychological treatment.
—Josh Hammer, National Review, 27 Jan. 2020
See All Example Sentences for anodyne
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anodyne
Adjective
-
What some viewers initially perceived as a harmless prank quickly escalated into a tense exchange.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
12 June 2025
-
In contrast to organic arsenic, a largely harmless compound commonly found in seafood, less than an eighth of a teaspoon of the inorganic powder can be fatal to an adult.—
Caroline Fraser
June 10,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2025
Noun
-
Strain: Purple Kush Pisces, known for their dreamy and artistic nature, will benefit from the soothing, sedative effects of Purple Kush.—
Matt Rozo,
Mercury News,
9 June 2025
-
This is because older adults can be more sensitive to the sedative effects of lorazepam.—
Verywell Health,
Verywell Health,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
This demonstration will feature the skill set to find specific odors such as narcotics, explosives and wildlife.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 June 2025
-
After Guest was taken into custody, a search of the vehicle found multiple paraphernalia and narcotics.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
10 June 2025
Adjective
-
Perhaps most important, many observers at the time considered China to be relatively benign and largely content to keep its military within its own borders.—
Eric S. Edelman,
Foreign Affairs,
3 June 2025
-
But a lot of people hear things that aren’t there, and some find the experience both benign and controllable.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
There are several topical analgesic (pain-relieving) creams that contain turmeric and other ingredients like menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate.—
Rebeca Schiller,
Verywell Health,
16 May 2025
-
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
Noun
-
Some of these common drugs include antacids, antidepressants, blood pressure medication, iron supplements, and opiates (narcotics). Polyps or tumors: A blockage in the intestine caused by a large growth (a polyp) or a tumor prevents stool from passing.—
Amber J. Tresca,
Verywell Health,
4 June 2025
-
Second, those with substance use disorder, who consume opiates knowingly.—
Dr. Yifrah Kaminer,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
7 June 2025
-
My son Sire is my main priority and keeping him in a safe environment is my only focus at this time.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Loew was made the mark in a kind of confidence game, Schulberg recalls, with Thalberg and Mayer putting on a show of activity at the failing Louis B. Mayer Productions that nonetheless impressed the Hollywood innocent.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
-
To insinuate yourself into someone’s life, the biggest manipulators act like the most innocent victims.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anodyne.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anodyne. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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