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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in tranquilizer
Related Words
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
Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026
In high doses, users report sedative effects, according to a Department of Justice fact sheet.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 18 Mar. 2026
Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026
Curry was injected with an unknown substance, likely a sedative, by EMS.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Adjective
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
In high doses, users report sedative effects, according to a Department of Justice fact sheet.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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
Curry was injected with an unknown substance, likely a sedative, by EMS.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
Adjective
-
This spring, just outside the dining room, Shahniani will add the Expoterrace, a relaxing patio with a fountain, waterfalls and lush plants inspired by Living with the Land at Epcot in Florida.—
Tribune News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
-
Tropea Beach, which sits on Tyrrhenian Sea in the southern part of Italy’s Calabria region, is the world’s most relaxing beach, according to a new study.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As the tranquilizer kicked in, the bear climbed higher into the tree before stumbling down a branch, eventually losing its grip completely and falling into the net.—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Fentanyl in street drugs is in some cases being mixed with or supplemented by dangerous alternatives, including the animal tranquilizer medetomidine and cychlorphine, an emergent synthetic opioid that carries an extreme risk of overdose.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Here's what to know about the medication, a powerful painkiller that belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The London Symphony Orchestra and the Escolania de Montserrat i Cor Cambra Palau de la Música Catalana choir bolster the album, their arrangements ranging from anxious and erratic to soothing and hypnotic.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
2 May 2026
-
The five sophisticated rooms channel a Switzerland-meets-Ibiza vibe, with plush bedding, soothing gray accents, and funky graphic art.—
Lisa Kadane,
Travel + Leisure,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
For Chamberlain, paintings—and paint itself—are nostalgic and comforting.—
Anna Grace Lee,
Vogue,
4 May 2026
-
The food was exactly the same—the menu is a fresh and creative take on regional flavors, yet still approachable and comforting.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
The London Symphony Orchestra and the Escolania de Montserrat i Cor Cambra Palau de la Música Catalana choir bolster the album, their arrangements ranging from anxious and erratic to soothing and hypnotic.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
2 May 2026
-
This reimagining of a niche Japanese Dreamcast game turns the simple game of squash into a mind-bending journey through space and time, thanks to hypnotic visuals and music.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
