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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in tranquilizer
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sedative
Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Depending on the dosage, consumption can cause stimulant effects in low dosages and sedative effects in high doses, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2020.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026
Michelle Huneven, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
The wrecked car was overturned with the nude model sleeping inside—playing dead with help from a mild sedative.
—Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Adjective
Prescription medicines used to treat anxiety, including benzodiazepines, are also flagged due to their sedative effects.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Depending on the dosage, consumption can cause stimulant effects in low dosages and sedative effects in high doses, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2020.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
The bitterness in chicories comes from the chemical compound lactucopicrin or intybin, which is their natural defense against disease and predators — and is also said to be a faint sedative and mild pain killer.
—Michelle Huneven, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
The wrecked car was overturned with the nude model sleeping inside—playing dead with help from a mild sedative.
—Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
Adjective
-
Velvet curtains flank the floor-to-ceiling windows for some earthy contrast, while a long sectional sofa invites you to spend a relaxing night sprawled out in front of the TV.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
30 May 2026
-
Serving as another integral room of your home, keeping your living room clutter-free is crucial for creating a relaxing atmosphere.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
There are sedatives such as xylazine, street-named Tranq, an animal tranquilizer that can cause fleshrotting skin lesions and is frequently mixed with fentanyl.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
18 May 2026
-
Naloxone, the ingredient in Narcan, is an antidote for opioid overdoses, but because xylazine is not an opioid, the emergency medicine only stops the effects of fentanyl, not the tranquilizer, making those who overdose more likely to have lethal repercussions.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Across all participants, 81% reduced their use of oral analgesics, and the suppository was well-tolerated, with most participants willing to use it again.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
One approach to the treatment of pain, almost regardless of its cause, has gained both acceptance and notoriety: the use of opioids, or narcotic analgesics.—
Dr. Patricia Richard,
Hartford Courant,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The relaxed linen texture keeps them looking elevated but still cozy, and the earthy tone ties the entire color palette together in such a soothing way.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
25 May 2026
-
On the slightly more orange side, terra-cotta tones are viewed in design as healing, soothing, and warm.—
Petra Guglielmetti,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 May 2026
Adjective
-
When the church hall needs something hearty, comforting, and warm, this easy casserole is the universal answer.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
24 May 2026
-
This comforting dish is unexpected but always welcome.—
Lizzy Briskin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 May 2026
Adjective
-
There is no sign outside, but follow the noise inside to find the Host arrive on stage from a door hidden behind a hypnotic dayglow projector visual.—
Christopher Buchanan,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
-
The prose is hypnotic, all the more so for its many digressions and parentheses, unveiling tiny set pieces like so many Fabergé eggs.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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