SEDATIVE Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

sedative 1 of 2

adjective

ˈse-də-tiv

Definition of sedative

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

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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

Sometimes his approach is so left-of-center that whole lines feel arrhythmic, but there’s a sedative allure in the way his sweet melodies find stasis in the chaos. — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026 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

Noun

All Florida executions are carried out by lethal injection of a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections. — Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 25 June 2026 In addition, a sedative such as diazepam (Valium) is often prescribed to reduce anxiety. — Michele Promaulayko, Allure, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sedative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative

Adjective

If your idea of a relaxing fall weekend does not involve joining everybody else in America at the Smokies, Bowron also offered a more under-the-radar option.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Few things are more relaxing than enjoying the outdoors in a rocking chair (doing that with a side of leaf peeping just puts a cherry on top).

— Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of relaxing

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

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

Jalet is known for his hypnotic choreographic style, and has gain recognition in the music world for his work with Thom Yorke on his short film Anima.

— Preezy Brown, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
Peaks and valleys ranging from a light sandy color to a deep blueish-gray create an almost hypnotic landscape.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of hypnotic

Browse Nearby Words

sedating

sedative

sedatives

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Style

“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sedative

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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