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GRE vocabulary

opiate

nounHigh-frequency wordMore O words

something that numbs the senses, dulls awareness, or causes passive acceptance

Word origin: From Greek opion, poppy juice.

In a sentence

Opiate in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing opiate in a sentence.

Critics argued that television had become the opiate of modern society.

The essay argues that nostalgic entertainment functions as an opiate, dulling public appetite for genuine reform.

Synonyms
Antonyms
stimulantprovocationagitator
Usage & nuance

Using “opiate” well

Beyond the literal drug, opiate is used figuratively for anything that numbs awareness or induces passive acceptance. The figurative sense often carries a critical, dismissive tone.

Common questions

Questions about “opiate

Opiate (noun) means something that numbs the senses, dulls awareness, or causes passive acceptance
Here is opiate used in an example sentence: "Critics argued that television had become the opiate of modern society." Another example: "The essay argues that nostalgic entertainment functions as an opiate, dulling public appetite for genuine reform."
Common synonyms for opiate include sedative, narcotic, anodyne.
Antonyms of opiate include stimulant, provocation, agitator.
Opiate clusters with sedative, narcotic, and anodyne. Its antonyms stimulant, provocation, and agitator mark the opposite, rousing effect.
Yes. Opiate is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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