as in relaxing
tending to calm the emotions and relieve stress
some people find a glass of wine to be a civilized and sedative addition to an evening meal
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as in tranquilizer
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sedative
Jessica Bartlett, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Feb. 2023
Kratom alkaloids stimulate the opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects that range from sedative-like and calming to energizing and euphoric.
—Dallas News, 30 Jan. 2023
Rachel Blaser, The Conversation, 24 Feb. 2025
Additionally, fentanyl has been used with other illicit drugs including the deadly xylazine, a veterinary sedative.
—Dr. Yifrah Kaminer, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Adjective
Her attorney also listed buspirone (an antianxiety drug), hydroxyzine (an antihistamine that is traditionally used for anxiety or insomina), and Ambien (a sedative-hypnotic).
—Jessica Bartlett, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Feb. 2023
Kratom alkaloids stimulate the opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects that range from sedative-like and calming to energizing and euphoric.
—Dallas News, 30 Jan. 2023
Noun
However, in some cases, such as capturing and restraining a wild animal to relocate it, workers use tranquilizers or sedatives to make the animal sleepy, or cover its eyes and ears to reduce fear and prevent long-lasting problems.
—Rachel Blaser, The Conversation, 24 Feb. 2025
Additionally, fentanyl has been used with other illicit drugs including the deadly xylazine, a veterinary sedative.
—Dr. Yifrah Kaminer, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
Noun
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Animal tranquilizers enhance the user’s euphoric high from opioids, particularly in those who have developed a tolerance to the opioid.—
C. Michael White,
The Conversation,
7 Apr. 2025
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Sometimes, short-acting tranquilizers can help, but some of these same medicines can also cause sleepwalking.18 When sleepwalking is related to an underlying disorder or medication, treating that condition or switching medications may help.—
Ann Pietrangelo,
Verywell Health,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Fey is a big fan of Ina Garten, aka TV chef the Barefoot Contessa, and The Four Seasons feels a lot like if Ina Garten made a sitcom: upscale and aspirational, beautiful and soothing.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
1 May 2025
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The Venezuelan songstress and Colombian crooners melodic and soothing vocals pair perfectly with Los Ángeles’ hip-swiveling cumbia tune.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Many NSAIDs and other analgesics are available in topical form, like creams or patches, and can offer similar relief without the potential side effects to your gut.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
18 Apr. 2025
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Peppermint Oil Peppermint oil is a topical analgesic that may help alleviate pain from tense jaw muscles associated with TMJ dysfunction.—
Christopher Bergland,
Verywell Health,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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