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.

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

In the business of the worst moment, there may be unanimity, just as soon as the effects of the smelling salts and the large brandies kick in.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2025

Sometimes it’s Harris offering Scott smelling salts — a practice Dicker, who is naturally amped, skips.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 2, 2025

Every bell pull that could be found was rung and rung and rung yet again, to wake the sleeping servants, call for smelling salts, find someone to run for a doctor, and so on.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood