smelling salts

NOUN

faintness relief

Synonyms

WEAK

Methedrine ammonium carbonate hartshorn methamphetamine hydrochloride sal volatile salts spirits

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I’m a regular user of smelling salts, taking them for a boost of energy before every offensive drive,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

“The use of smelling salts in sports is definitely not their intended use,” Dr. Laura Boxley, a neuropsychologist at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center, told NPR.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

While the issue is likely to be considered by World Rugby's advisory panel of concussion experts at their next scheduled meeting in September, there is no intention to convene to discuss smelling salts before then.

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2025

However, in a memo to their teams, obtained by the Associated Press,, external the NFL warned smelling salts also "have the potential to mask certain neurological signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion".

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2025

She came running with smelling salts, but she got it too close to her mistress’s nose.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes