sedate 1 of 2

Definition of sedatenext
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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
Inside, the look is rather sedate and calm, although the modern art is certainly eye-catching (there are nearly 100 original pieces around the building). Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 This gardener used colorful annuals to transform a sedate hydrangea garden into something spectacular. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 June 2026
Verb
Left alone with teenage girls and the means to sedate them, a dentist takes advantage. Judy Berman, Time, 8 Apr. 2026 Prior to moving to Colorado in 2018, Barry Morphew was a deer farmer in Indiana and used BAM to sedate and transport deer on his farm, according to the indictment. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sedate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedate
Adjective
  • To be fair, abducted 9-year-old Rainy is pretty cute, with solemn eyebrows and a conscience that continually puts her in peril.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
  • The once-rising developer’s solemn promise is not likely to be fulfilled if court records in his federal criminal case and a parallel Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit are any indication.
    Jay Weaver June 6, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • To alleviate some of the security concerns in metropolitan areas and calm citizens' fears, the United States housed prisoners in military installations and federal facilities throughout the South and Southwest.
    Helaine Williams, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026
  • Clark seized on a more gentle course — slightly calmer and still soft with receptive greens — by pulling away late to reach six-under-par through 16 holes.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
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
  • What Research Shows About Cancer in Dogs While there is no evidence that turkey tail shrinks tumors, the mushroom has drawn real scientific interest as a complementary therapy for serious illness.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
  • The new guidance was heavily criticized by health groups, which argued the decision could sow confusion and leave children vulnerable to serious disease.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Down the hall, the bedroom’s mostly white design theme returns to a more serene composition, providing a quiet sanctuary.
    Marissa Gluck, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • The interiors of the Prima Class-ship feel serene and upscale, with plenty of places to sit and enjoy a cocktail.
    Megan duBois, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities, including sailing, water skiing, tennis, pickleball, disc golf, or just relaxing by the lake.
    Chelsea Adams, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • Another photo showed Nader sipping on a cup of coffee as crew members relax in the background, tagging @lovethynader.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Judges have to throw the book at those arrested to teach them a stern lesson.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 17 June 2026
  • However, for students graduating right now, Hammer can't really summon up anything stern to say.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • By Sunday afternoon, the park was peaceful, with some residents setting up a Father's Day lunch while men nearby were playing cards.
    Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 21 June 2026
  • The view is extraordinary, but the experience is far from peaceful in peak season.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sedate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedate. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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