adjective
anodyne
AN-uh-dyne
Anodyne (adjective) means Deliberately bland and inoffensive, so mild that it cannot upset or interest anyone. Example: “The company issued an anodyne statement that answered nothing.”
adjective
1
Deliberately bland and inoffensive, so mild that it cannot upset or interest anyone.
"The company issued an anodyne statement that answered nothing."
"His speech was so anodyne that nobody could remember a word of it."
2
dated, medical Relieving pain.
"The old text lists several anodyne preparations for toothache."
noun
1
formal Something that soothes distress or takes the edge off pain.
"Routine became an anodyne for her grief."
"Music was the only anodyne he trusted."
How to use anodyne
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo mild and inoffensive that it says nothing at all.
When to use it
Formal and mildly critical; a favourite of political and cultural journalism.
Memory tip
The stress is on the first syllable and the last rhymes with 'wine'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
anodyne statement
anodyne prose
anodyne response
curiously anodyne
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The company issued an _____ statement that answered nothing.
Etymology
From Greek anōdynos 'painless', from an- 'without' and odynē 'pain'.
Synonyms
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bland
innocuous
inoffensive
unremarkable
insipid
balm
palliative
comfort
salve
analgesic
pain-relieving
analgetic
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for anodyne
See all rhymes for anodyne →Frequently asked questions
Does anodyne mean boring or does it mean painkilling?
Both, but the modern everyday meaning is 'blandly inoffensive', as in an anodyne press release. The painkilling sense is the older one and now appears mainly in historical or literary writing.
Is calling something anodyne an insult?
Usually yes. It implies the thing has been smoothed of anything sharp or interesting, and it is a common criticism of official statements, corporate copy and cautious writing.
What is the difference between anodyne and innocuous?
Innocuous simply means harmless and carries no complaint. Anodyne adds a note of disappointment: the thing is harmless because it has been drained of anything worth reacting to.
What is the meaning of anodyne?
"anodyne" (adjective) means deliberately bland and inoffensive, so mild that it cannot upset or interest anyone.
