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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
Returning for the dogs Deeming the animals too aggressive to capture safely, police and KC Pet Project left the scene that night with plans to return the next day with something to sedate them. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025 Most of the victims were unconscious or sedated hospital patients at the time of the assaults. Nicolas Vaux-Montagny, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
Verb
Set in a sedate corner of Massachusetts circa 1970, the story follows JB Mooney (O’Connor), an unemployed carpenter turned amateur art thief, who plans his first big heist. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 June 2025 Four months into 2025 the business of tariffs is more dramatic than the comparatively sedate world of income taxation. Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sedate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedate
Adjective
  • The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • The eventual confirmation of his passing, delivered by solemn White House and medical officials, triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, even from those who had been his staunchest opponents.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Later, after Hankison was sentenced, The Courier Journal counted at least 10 police cruisers parked outside the courthouse, although the situation remained calm.
    Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 23 July 2025
  • As more people seek healing, the conversation has shifted toward calm approaches to managing intense feelings.
    Essence, Essence, 23 July 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
  • This surge in extreme heat drives up energy demand and poses serious health risks to vulnerable populations.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Surgeries or procedures to prevent aneurysm rupture also carry serious risks.
    Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • But Mitchell is based in the altogether more serene surroundings of Ealing, west London, in the same studio that brings SailGP to our TV screens.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • Her name whispers of gentle waves, depth and a soothing light, a haven bright and serene, wild as the sea.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Try to relax, rip currents don't pull you under the water.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 20 July 2025
  • Today, this canal is a natural lazy river, at once a testament to the immense history of the land and a relaxing destination to enjoy the unrivaled beauty of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, the slow collision of Ray’s two worlds unfolds with the stern casualness of two business acquaintances meeting for dinner.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 July 2025
  • Bill Pogue’s family and friends knew him as a thoughtful, deeply sensitive man, despite his reputation as a gruff, stern, wildlife officer.
    Jim Zumbo, Outdoor Life, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • The space can be used as a peaceful private office, a crafting studio, or a gardening space replete with a potting bench.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 20 July 2025
  • And the happier, peaceful times far outweigh the difficult ones.
    EW.com, EW.com, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sedate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedate. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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