SEDATIVE Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

sedative 1 of 2

adjective

ˈse-də-tiv

Definition of sedative

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

sedative

2 of 2

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 sedative

Adjective

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 According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, diphenhydramine has a sedative effect which teens resist to reach a hallucinogenic or euphoric state. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026

Noun

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, diphenhydramine has a sedative effect which teens resist to reach a hallucinogenic or euphoric state. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026 The woman did a Google image search and concluded that the drug was stronger — Ambien, a prescription sedative, reads the complaint. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sedative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative

Adjective

My nail tech, Michelle, was extremely patient and accommodating throughout the process, and the entire experience was genuinely relaxing.

— Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
The property’s highlight is the infinity pool, the ideal spot to spend a relaxing afternoon.

— Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of relaxing

Noun

Other monkeys, including some of the larger and more dominant macaques, had to be subdued with tranquilizer darts before they could be captured.

— Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
The worrisome drug withdrawal popping up in jails A powerful tranquilizer has started to accompany fentanyl in the country’s illicit opioid supply, and jails are struggling to handle the drug’s excruciating, complicated withdrawal symptoms.

— O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 26 June 2026

Definition of tranquilizer

Adjective

Aloe and Centella asiatica lend soothing benefits, antioxidant-rich green tea defends against environmental stressors, and ceramides support the skin barrier.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026
Named after the city in Yemen, Singh said the coffee shop will provide a soothing atmosphere, open for everyone, including college students looking for a place to study and friends to gather.

— Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of soothing

Noun

The physician performs a detailed history and physical examination, reviews prior films, discusses conservative management, and orders physical therapy plus non-opioid analgesics.

— Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
But the 7-OH industry has organized against the potential prohibition, claiming 7-OH is kratom, despite only appearing in trace amounts within the leaves of the kratom plant, and that its benefits as an analgesic outweigh its potential harms.

— Mattha Busby, Wired News, 15 June 2026

Definition of analgesic

Adjective

Video compilations of Trachtenberg and Panettiere’s characters, Casey Carlyle and Gen Harwood, respectively, started circulating on social media on Monday, with fans noting the film’s comforting feel of nostalgia amid the tragic deaths of its stars.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
The result is a perfect contrast of jammy fruit and light, flaky biscuits, delivering a balance of fresh summer flavor and comforting, homemade goodness.

— Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of comforting

Browse Nearby Words

sedating

sedative

sedatives

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Cite this Entry

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“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of sedative

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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