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sedate

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sedate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sedate are earnest, grave, serious, sober, solemn, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

When might earnest be a better fit than sedate?

While in some cases nearly identical to sedate, earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

In what contexts can grave take the place of sedate?

The words grave and sedate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

Where would serious be a reasonable alternative to sedate?

The synonyms serious and sedate are sometimes interchangeable, but serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

When could sober be used to replace sedate?

In some situations, the words sober and sedate are roughly equivalent. However, sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When would solemn be a good substitute for sedate?

The meanings of solemn and sedate largely overlap; however, solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

When is staid a more appropriate choice than sedate?

While the synonyms staid and sedate are close in meaning, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

Example Sentences

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 sedate
Adjective
He was intubated, sedated, non-communicative and on medication to help with his low blood pressure. Christina Hall, Freep.com, 2 Aug. 2025 Named The Dentistry, the practice promoted sedating patients before their dental treatments to ease any anxieties or fears — a novel concept at the time, according to Rudolph’s account. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
The oldest neighborhood in Miami, Coconut Grove is a sedate enclave that hugs Biscayne Bay about a dozen miles from South Beach—but up to an hour by car during peak traffic—with the iconic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens as its cultural and architectural center. Mark David, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025 River cruising is still a more sedate, tradition-minded market compared with ocean cruising, and some travelers may prefer the quieter charms of existing lines. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sedate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedate
Adjective
  • Models walking the runway — staged at the Pinacoteca di Brera museum — had solemn expressions on their faces.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
  • If anything, their Didi and Gogo (Winter plays the former, the more cerebral and anxious of the two, and Reeves the latter, the disgruntled yet tender beta clown) are still a little on the solemn side.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Shannon asks in a remarkably calm voice.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
  • There are not many people to like, care about, or believe on this season, but there is one who is calm, level-headed, and was there for it all.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Most are unable to rise above the stylistic miasma of the production — Whitehead sounds narcotized even when Pip isn’t on drugs — or the entirely new words they’ve been asked to say.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2023
  • The smartphone, for all its wonder and utility, has also proved to be a narcotizing agent.
    Derek Thompson, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2019
Adjective
  • Roundabouts help eliminate the types of crashes more likely to cause serious injuries or death.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The production came just in time to help the Angels (72-88) put a serious dent in the Astros’ chances of going to the playoffs.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The 47-suite interior has a serene, minimalist ambiance inspired by traditional ryokan architecture, with clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and large balconies in each stateroom.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025
  • In videos shared to the meteor society and to local TV outlets, the satellite’s breakup appeared dramatic but serene, moving slowly across the sky and trailing glowing fragments for several seconds.
    Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Guests can also opt to relax by the 82-foot resort pool.
    Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Tranquility reigns here, inviting you to truly relax and find peace.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That led Judge Cannon to temporarily halt the proceedings and issue Routh a stern warning.
    Greg Allen, NPR, 23 Sep. 2025
  • High-profile stars and politicians of all creeds have been up in arms and ABC owner Disney has come in for particularly stern criticism over the very live situation.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Following the release, Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and disarmament would receive amnesty, with safe passage offered to those wishing to leave Gaza for countries that have agreed to receive them.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of its peaceful neighbor in 2022, zoo workers and local volunteers rushed to save thousands of animals at imminent risk of annihilation from missile attacks and shelling.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sedate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedate. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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