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
Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
This ancient beverage, derived from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, is typically consumed to produce sedative and euphoric effects that might increase sociability and reduce anxiety.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 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
Micron has come a long way since its humble founding nearly half a century ago in the basement of a Boise dental office, where sedative gas wafted through the floorboards and an early executive used a hair dryer to keep the company’s logo from smearing off its chips.
—Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
This ancient beverage, derived from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, is typically consumed to produce sedative and euphoric effects that might increase sociability and reduce anxiety.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 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 is supposed to be a relaxing hobby!—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
8 Apr. 2026
-
This left zero time for serendipity — or just plain relaxing.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The animal was captured just after midnight on Friday after he was shot by a veterinarian using a tranquilizer gun.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2026
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In Ohio, the recent trend among people who use fentanyl is to find pills spiked with an animal tranquilizer that causes severe addiction, said Beckman, of the Hamilton County Quick Response Team.—
Kaitlin Coward,
Boston Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
-
Turmeric may have effects similar to those of analgesics, medicines used to relieve pain.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Spray dry toilet paper with cleansing, soothing and refreshing Pristine to create an instant wet wipe that is actually flushable and safe for your sewer and septic systems.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
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That warm soothing voice of yours is missed.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The pancakes are fluffy, soft and chewy, the sausage is comforting and the biscuit is probably one of the best in Charlotte.—
Shindy Chen
April 20,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This quick-cooking protein is the foundation of so many comforting meals—spaghetti sauce, meatloaf, casseroles, meatballs, tacos, and of course, burgers.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That smell of Sumatra — earthy, smoky, almost hypnotic.—
Nick El Hajj,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
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There’s a huge connection between the hypnotic energy of your music and your live PORTAL shows.—
Danny Klein,
SPIN,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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