as in alcohol
a distilled beverage that can make a person drunk
she blamed John Barleycorn for the breakdown of their marriage
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Recent Examples of John Barleycorn
Santa Claus had triumphed over John Barleycorn.
—
Gary Kamiya, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Dec. 2021
Gary Kamiya, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Dec. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for John Barleycorn
Noun
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Mix four tablespoons of the alcohol and four drops of the soap into the one-liter spray bottle.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Paul's blood-alcohol level was three times the legal limit, and he was subsequently charged with three felony counts, including boating under the influence, causing death.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The bar received a 60-day suspension of its liquor license after the shooting.—
Angelika Ytuarte,
jsonline.com,
22 Oct. 2025
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The liquor store is situated at the corner of Lancaster Avenue and Sterley Street, and the house is number 17 Spruce Street.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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That’s a potential 73,000 people a match paying for tickets, travel, merchandise, programmes, fanzines, food, drinks and more.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Nikki Bravo, the co-owner of Momentum Coffee in Chicago, raised prices by about 15% last week for lattes, cappuccinos and other drinks at her four locations.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Guests are invited to bring their own blankets, picnics, and booze (though concession stands and a beer and wine bar are on-site), and, typically, these events feature DJs before and after the show.—
Sophie-Claire Hoeller,
Vogue,
23 Oct. 2025
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Taking a break from the booze is no longer just reserved for Dry January.—
Essence,
Essence,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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That’s the idea behind Kahlúa’s newest release, the Dunkin' Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur, a creamy, indulgent drink that blends coffee, rum, real cream, and Dunkin’s signature caramel flavor.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Oct. 2025
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There’s always the option of creating your own drink and mixing with help from brands like Seedlip, Lyre’s, and Ritual Zero Proof, which make non-alcoholic alternatives to spirits like gin, tequila, rum, and whiskey.—
Essence,
Essence,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For bones, spirits, and some menacing dolls, here’s where to go for a fright.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
22 Oct. 2025
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Budj Bim assigned the weeping she-oak (Casuarina) trees, whose whispering voices can be heard in the wind, to be the guardian spirits of the landscape.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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