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

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

There are no explicit rules about the use of smelling salts by players before they undergo the assessment.

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