panacea
5 synonyms for panacea, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A single remedy or solution supposed to fix every problem — usually said sceptically, of something that cannot really do so.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
cure-all
silver bullet
universal remedy
catholicon
nostrum
How to use panacea
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
no panacea
not a panacea
seen as a panacea
Usually appears in the negative — "no panacea" — to puncture an overclaim.
Etymology
From Greek "panakeia," a universal remedy, from "pan-" (all) plus "akos" (cure). Panacea was also the Greek goddess of healing.
Full origin of panacea →Frequently asked questions
What does panacea mean?
A supposed cure for everything. In modern use it is nearly always negative — pointing out that something being sold as a complete solution is not one.
What is a synonym for panacea?
Cure-all, silver bullet or universal remedy. "Silver bullet" is the most common everyday equivalent.
