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
Rachel Blaser, The Conversation, 24 Feb. 2025
Additionally, fentanyl has been used with other illicit drugs including the deadly xylazine, a veterinary sedative.
—Dr. Yifrah Kaminer, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 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
However, in some cases, such as capturing and restraining a wild animal to relocate it, workers use tranquilizers or sedatives to make the animal sleepy, or cover its eyes and ears to reduce fear and prevent long-lasting problems.
—Rachel Blaser, The Conversation, 24 Feb. 2025
Additionally, fentanyl has been used with other illicit drugs including the deadly xylazine, a veterinary sedative.
—Dr. Yifrah Kaminer, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
Noun
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In 1980, Gallup asked whether Americans would object strongly to some presidential behaviors, including using tranquilizers occasionally (36% did), seeing a psychiatrist (30%), wearing jeans occasionally in the Oval Office (21%) and having a cocktail before dinner each night (14%).—
Karlyn Bowman,
Forbes.com,
5 May 2025
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However, in some cases, such as capturing and restraining a wild animal to relocate it, workers use tranquilizers or sedatives to make the animal sleepy, or cover its eyes and ears to reduce fear and prevent long-lasting problems.—
Rachel Blaser,
The Conversation,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Fey is a big fan of Ina Garten, aka TV chef the Barefoot Contessa, and The Four Seasons feels a lot like if Ina Garten made a sitcom: upscale and aspirational, beautiful and soothing.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
1 May 2025
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The Venezuelan songstress and Colombian crooners melodic and soothing vocals pair perfectly with Los Ángeles’ hip-swiveling cumbia tune.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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There are also straight-up painkillers like OTC and prescription urinary analgesics (AZO, Cystex, Pyridium) that can temporarily numb things, as well as the usual acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and prescription opioids (though all of these mask, rather than resolve, symptoms).—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
16 Apr. 2025
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Many NSAIDs and other analgesics are available in topical form, like creams or patches, and can offer similar relief without the potential side effects to your gut.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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