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

Unlike traditional sleep aids that rely on masking noise or sedative effects, Spatial Sleep is designed to work with the user’s neurobiology. —Soundhealth, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2026

Security and crew members allegedly tackled and restrained the man while injecting him with the sedative Haloperidol and using three cans of pepper spray. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025

Noun

Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine are the two active components of kratom, which is sourced from trees in Southeast Asia and is a stimulant in low doses and a sedative in high doses, according to a fact sheet from the Drug Enforcement Administration. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026

The sedative is not typically tested for as it cannot be legally obtained in the United States. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 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