DEPRESSANT Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

depressant

adjective

Definition of depressant

as in sedative

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of depressant At the time of the 1998 murder-suicide, Brynn had cocaine, alcohol and a prescription anti-depressant in her system, The New York Times reported. — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 The drink is known for its mild euphoria and depressant effects. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressant

Adjective

The firm’s employees took Quaaludes, a sedative medication, like candy, hired prostitutes regularly, and held gambling sprees in Monte Carlo and Las Vegas.

— Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 14 July 2026
The Drug Enforcement Administration says kratom produces stimulant effects in low doses and sedative effects in high doses, and can lead to psychotic symptoms, and psychological and physiological dependence.

— Jake Rosenwasser, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Definition of sedative

Adjective

Aegon, reeling from his brother’s betrayal and, likely, the early stages of opiate withdrawal, refuses to pledge (pretend) fealty to the Blacks and so Larys reveals Aegon’s identity.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Later, the woman’s daughter was born with opiate dependence and had to stay in the hospital for several months after birth.

— Adeline Goss, New Yorker, 11 June 2026

Definition of opiate

Adjective

The reform also significantly expanded access to medical cannabis by removing it from the country's list of narcotic drugs, simplifying medical cannabis prescribing.

— Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
The collection also accepts medical sharps, including diabetic needles, blood lancets, insulin pens, epi-pens, syringes, expired over-the-counter medicines and non-narcotic prescriptions.

— Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026

Definition of narcotic

Adjective

Four Tet’s sense for sound design shines from crushed 8-bit drums to the hypnotic handpan grooves and sharp synth melodies.

— Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 19 July 2026
The London saxophonist and his ensemble fuse jazz with diverse strains of global trance music—Moroccan gnawa, Berlin kosmische—into a hypnotic, utopian expression of spiritual union.

— Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026

Definition of hypnotic

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“Depressant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressant. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of depressant

adjective

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