sedative

1 of 2

adjective

sed·​a·​tive ˈse-də-tiv 

: tending to calm, moderate, or tranquilize nervousness or excitement

sedative

2 of 2

noun

: a sedative agent or drug

Synonyms of sedative

Adjective

• relaxing
• tranquilizing
• soothing
• comforting
• hypnotic

Examples of sedative in a Sentence

Adjective

some people find a glass of wine to be a civilized and sedative addition to an evening meal

Noun

The patient was given a powerful sedative.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In that sense, pregabalin (brand name Lyrica), which is used to treat nerve pain and is associated with sedative effects, is less common. —Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026

The result is a calmer, quieter brain at bedtime without any sedative effect. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026

Noun

Chloral hydrate, a sedative, is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia and to relieve anxiety and induce sleep before surgery. —Liz McNeil, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026

Plus Derry Girls’s Saoirse-Monica Jackson pops up as a raver with a flair for sedatives! —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, alleviating pain, from Middle French sedatif, from Medieval Latin sedativus, from Latin sedatus

First Known Use

Adjective

1779, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1797, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sedative

1 of 2 adjective

sed·​a·​tive ˈsed-ət-iv 

: tending to calm or to ease tension

sedative

2 of 2 noun

: a sedative medicine

Medical Definition

sedative

1 of 2 adjective

sed·​a·​tive ˈsed-ət-iv 

: tending to calm, moderate, or tranquilize nervousness or excitement

sedative effects of anesthetics and analgesics

—Linda C. Haynes et al.

sedative

2 of 2 noun

: a sedative agent or drug