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.

Ahead of the 2025 season, the league’s head, neck and spine committee recommended that teams end the longtime practice of providing smelling salts to players.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

George Kittle, the 49ers All-Pro tight end, jumped on an NFL Network broadcast to proclaim that smelling salts were crucial to his performance.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

The NFL came to his rescue, saying smelling salts — also known as ammonia inhalants, or AIs — were not banned.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

"We'd be given smelling salts, sponge on the neck, back out and play," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 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