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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in tranquilizer
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sedative
Jessica Bartlett, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Feb. 2023
Kratom alkaloids stimulate the opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects that range from sedative-like and calming to energizing and euphoric.
—Dallas News, 30 Jan. 2023
Heather Hansman, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2025
Terry was found to have died of an overdose of insulin and the sedative promethazine, the medical examiner ruled.
—David K. Li, NBC News, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Adjective
Her attorney also listed buspirone (an antianxiety drug), hydroxyzine (an antihistamine that is traditionally used for anxiety or insomina), and Ambien (a sedative-hypnotic).
—Jessica Bartlett, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Feb. 2023
Kratom alkaloids stimulate the opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects that range from sedative-like and calming to energizing and euphoric.
—Dallas News, 30 Jan. 2023
Noun
In that maelstrom, several patients were given doses of sedatives that ultimately killed them, and Fink’s account revolves around those decisions and the criminal allegations that arose after the crisis.
—Heather Hansman, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2025
Terry was found to have died of an overdose of insulin and the sedative promethazine, the medical examiner ruled.
—David K. Li, NBC News, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
Noun
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According to the municipal code, tranquilizers can be used as a means of capture.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2025
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The amount of fentanyl appears to be dropping (see above), while the amount of animal tranquilizers, such as medetomidine and xylazine, is rising.—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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As soothing as that may sound, fun is really the theme.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2025
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To help replenish healthy-looking skin while preventing irritation from the potent star ingredient, there’s a soothing and moisturizing blend of hyaluronic acid and shea butter.—
Deanna Pai,
Glamour,
28 May 2025
Noun
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Treatment Is a Possible Way to Avoid or Delay Knee Replacement While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, people can ease symptoms with medications, including analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen), and corticosteroids.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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In lab research, one potential concern is performing live dissections, once known as vivisection, without anesthetics or analgesics.—
Bob Fischer,
The Conversation,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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