lax·a·tive ˈlak-sə-tiv 
: having a tendency to loosen or relax
specifically : producing bowel movements and relieving constipation
: a usually mild laxative drug
Examples of laxative in a Sentence
Noun The doctor prescribed a laxative.
Recent Examples on the Web
Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026 The glycinate form won’t cause the laxative effect that’s common with other types. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2026 For extra help, Gupta says most people are OK to use a gentle laxative or stool softener. —Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laxative
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
As the ingredient is high in fiber, eating a large amount can have a laxative effect, says Salazar. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026 The glycinate form won’t cause the laxative effect that’s common with other types. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
Luckily, laxatives like Dulcolax are engineered to work both on- and off-world. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2026 For extra help, Gupta says most people are OK to use a gentle laxative or stool softener. —Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laxative
Cite this Entry
“Laxative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/laxative. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
laxative
1 of 2 adjective
lax·a·tive ˈlak-sət-iv
: tending to relieve constipation
laxative
2 of 2 noun
: a usually mild drug that helps relieve constipation
compare purgative
Medical Definition
laxative
1 of 2 adjective
lax·a·tive ˈlak-sət-iv
1
: having a tendency to loosen or relax
specifically : relieving constipation
2
laxatively adverb
laxative
2 of 2 noun
: a usually mild laxative drug
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