Cathartics are substances or drugs that help in inducing bowel movements. Some common synonyms for cathartics include purgatives, laxatives, bowel evacuants, stool softeners, and stool loosening agents. Purgatives are stronger than laxatives, providing quick relief to constipation. Laxatives, on the other hand, are mild and take some time to work on the digestive system. Bowel evacuants are generally prescribed before undergoing surgery or medical procedures that require clearing the bowel. Stool softeners make the stool softer and more comfortable to pass. Meanwhile, stool loosening agents help in softening and breaking down impacted stool to ease constipation. Each of these synonyms describes a medication or substance that aids in smooth and easy lower bowel movement.