psychoactive
adjective
psy·cho·ac·tive
ËŒsÄ«-kÅ-ˈak-tiv 
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs
Examples of psychoactive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The finding could shed light on how the psychoactive substance affects the animals’ behavior.
—
K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 25 Feb. 2026
Two of these are tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the compound known for causing feelings of euphoria and relaxation, and CBD, which has no psychoactive effect.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026
The compound, which is found in a variety of plants and animals, is the psychoactive ingredient in the drug ayahuasca, the above source stated.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Since hemp is non-intoxicating the state must address recreational marijuana policy, which is used for psychoactive effects.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for psychoactive
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.
K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 25 Feb. 2026
Two of these are tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the compound known for causing feelings of euphoria and relaxation, and CBD, which has no psychoactive effect.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026
The compound, which is found in a variety of plants and animals, is the psychoactive ingredient in the drug ayahuasca, the above source stated.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Since hemp is non-intoxicating the state must address recreational marijuana policy, which is used for psychoactive effects.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for psychoactive
Cite this Entry
“Psychoactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychoactive. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
psychoactive
adjective
psy·cho·ac·tive
ËŒsÄ«-kÅ-ˈak-tiv
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs
Medical Definition
psychoactive
adjective
psy·cho·ac·tive
ËŒsÄ«-kÅ-ˈak-tiv
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs
THC is the principal psychoactive ingredient in marijuana
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
