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
Jenny Friedman, Ms, Parents, 31 Mar. 2024
Pumpkin and applesauce also have a natural laxative effect, which can help to get things moving along.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 13 Oct. 2022
One gummy provides 84 milligrams (20% DV) of magnesium citrate, the form of magnesium that can have a laxative effect.
—Britannay Scanniello, Verywell Health, 1 Mar. 2024
Magnesium citrate pulls water from the body into the gastrointestinal tract, which can create a laxative effect that may help relieve occasional constipation during pregnancy.
—Casey Seiden, Parents, 24 Feb. 2024
For instance, magnesium citrate tends to have a laxative effect.
—Jenna Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024
In one study, participants reported more frequent binge eating and laxative use in 2022 than before the start of the COVID pandemic.
—Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 1 Nov. 2023
But even before Covid, the United States led the world in the consumption of nature’s laxative, prunes, devouring about 50,000 metric tons in 2021, the last year for which data are available.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 8 Sep. 2023
As for laxative use, Dr. Segil recommends zeroing in on your eating habits and how those can lead to other regular activities.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Health, 9 Mar. 2023
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Over-the-counter laxatives are not the same as prescription laxative medications, as prescription medications are FDA regulated and prescribed by a clinician.
—Suzanne Finkel, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2024
The day before a colonoscopy, patients must take laxatives to clear out their colon for cameras to get the best view.
—Erika Edwards, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2024
Customize your regimen: Individual responses to laxatives and fiber will vary.
—Suzanne Finkel, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2024
These types of laxatives are most commonly used for children who suffer from constipation.2
Stimulant laxatives: Stimulate the muscles that line the gut, which helps move stool out of the body.
—Lauryn Higgins, Health, 1 Feb. 2024
But some people avoid the exam because of the hassle of getting time off work or the day-ahead preparation that involves drinking a strong laxative to empty the bowels.
—Carla K. Johnson, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024
Soon, Collins began using diet pills and laxatives, and relied on them from age 16 until her early twenties.
—Sam Gillette, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024
Other alternatives were chronic use of diet pills and laxatives, both of which pose significant and confirmed health risks.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2024
Adjective
Its gentle laxative effect draws water into the intestines to soften stool and promote bowel movements.14
Mary Ruth’s products are third-party tested for accurate ingredient amounts, microbial contaminants, and heavy metals, and this product is a Clean Label Project Award Winner.
—Jenny Friedman, Ms, Parents, 31 Mar. 2024
Pumpkin and applesauce also have a natural laxative effect, which can help to get things moving along.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 13 Oct. 2022
One gummy provides 84 milligrams (20% DV) of magnesium citrate, the form of magnesium that can have a laxative effect.
—Britannay Scanniello, Verywell Health, 1 Mar. 2024
Magnesium citrate pulls water from the body into the gastrointestinal tract, which can create a laxative effect that may help relieve occasional constipation during pregnancy.
—Casey Seiden, Parents, 24 Feb. 2024
For instance, magnesium citrate tends to have a laxative effect.
—Jenna Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024
In one study, participants reported more frequent binge eating and laxative use in 2022 than before the start of the COVID pandemic.
—Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 1 Nov. 2023
But even before Covid, the United States led the world in the consumption of nature’s laxative, prunes, devouring about 50,000 metric tons in 2021, the last year for which data are available.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 8 Sep. 2023
As for laxative use, Dr. Segil recommends zeroing in on your eating habits and how those can lead to other regular activities.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Health, 9 Mar. 2023
Noun
It has been found that Oat Fiber alone can reduce the need for laxatives by almost 60%.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Over-the-counter laxatives are not the same as prescription laxative medications, as prescription medications are FDA regulated and prescribed by a clinician.
—Suzanne Finkel, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2024
The day before a colonoscopy, patients must take laxatives to clear out their colon for cameras to get the best view.
—Erika Edwards, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2024
Customize your regimen: Individual responses to laxatives and fiber will vary.
—Suzanne Finkel, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2024
These types of laxatives are most commonly used for children who suffer from constipation.2
Stimulant laxatives: Stimulate the muscles that line the gut, which helps move stool out of the body.
—Lauryn Higgins, Health, 1 Feb. 2024
But some people avoid the exam because of the hassle of getting time off work or the day-ahead preparation that involves drinking a strong laxative to empty the bowels.
—Carla K. Johnson, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024
Soon, Collins began using diet pills and laxatives, and relied on them from age 16 until her early twenties.
—Sam Gillette, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024
Other alternatives were chronic use of diet pills and laxatives, both of which pose significant and confirmed health risks.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'laxative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near laxative
Cite this Entry
“Laxative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laxative. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
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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