fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil 

nonstandard -ˌnȯl

: 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

In addition to fentanyl, toxicology tests detected alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax; the muscle relaxant methocarbamol; and quetiapine, a medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and, in some cases, depression. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2026

Seizures included guns, cash, vehicles, along with methamphetamine and fentanyl. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

In separate bodycam footage obtained by TMZ, Giudice can be heard telling police that Milania had fentanyl in her system from a previous incident, prompting Milania to claim she’d been laced. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

The investigation into Panettiere's death remains ongoing, with the focus likely shifting to the source of the fentanyl. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for fentanyl

• bunnell
• funnel
• tunnel
• multifunctional

Medical Definition

fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil 

: 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.