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sedative 1 of 2

adjective

ˈse-də-tiv How to pronounce sedative (audio)
Definition of sedativenext
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

noun

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
Adjective
The firm’s employees took Quaaludes, a sedative medication, like candy, hired prostitutes regularly, and held gambling sprees in Monte Carlo and Las Vegas. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 14 July 2026 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
Noun
In addition, a sedative such as diazepam (Valium) is often prescribed to reduce anxiety. — Michele Promaulayko, Allure, 17 June 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 See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
  1. relaxing
  2. tranquilizer
  3. soothing
  4. analgesic
  5. comforting
  6. hypnotic
Adjective
  • What should be a relaxing weekend quickly veers off course as Chuck inserts himself into the group and tests the limits of their patience.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Common Mistakes Deadheading can be a relaxing task, but don’t overdo it.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of relaxing
Noun
  • Agent Foster, posing as a city cop, has brought a tranquilizer gun to knock out Reacher and stage his suicide.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • My mother was addicted to a tranquilizer called sodium pentothal.
    — Gloria Steinem, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of tranquilizer
Adjective
  • Fascinatingly, however, the incantations are neither soothing nor conciliatory.
    — Eleanor Johnson, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Burnam did so as a form of protest because O’Hare kicked out another speaker, Base Mego, shortly before for picking up the microphone as a soothing tactic.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of soothing
Noun
  • Unprocessed nuts likely offer milder effects, but arceoline remains a natural analgesic.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Local clinics lack the most basic medications, like fever-reducing drugs and analgesics.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of analgesic
Adjective
  • To sort of have that guarantee that people really care about something is really comforting as an actor and really exciting.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, pumpkin bread is one of those comforting treats that embodies the season for me.
    — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of comforting
Adjective
  • The sheer force of the falls, crashing over jagged cliffs, is hypnotic, drawing millions of visitors each year.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
  • And while Cincinnati Bengals star QB Joe Burrow wasn’t quite as hypnotic, his team’s new-look defense fueled a 33-27 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and provided hope that Cincy can end a three-year streak of missing the postseason.
    — Michael Silver, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of hypnotic

Browse Nearby Words

sedating
sedative
sedatives
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Cite this Entry

“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sedative

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sedative

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