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
Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 29 Sep. 2025
Kratom has both stimulant and sedative effects, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
Henry I. Miller, STAT, 28 Jan. 2026
Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine are the two active components of kratom, which is sourced from trees in Southeast Asia and is a stimulant in low doses and a sedative in high doses, according to a fact sheet from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Adjective
Even small amounts of alcohol can amplify Benadryl’s sedative effects and interfere with daily functioning.
—Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 29 Sep. 2025
Kratom has both stimulant and sedative effects, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
Well, what if, instead of reassurance and possibly a sedative, the answer came on four legs?
—Henry I. Miller, STAT, 28 Jan. 2026
Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine are the two active components of kratom, which is sourced from trees in Southeast Asia and is a stimulant in low doses and a sedative in high doses, according to a fact sheet from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
Adjective
-
After a day of perfecting your pop-ups, take a soothing dip in the property’s infinity pool, set amidst lush greens for a truly relaxing scene.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Stay overnight at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa for a relaxing evening of waterfront dining and alpine views from its private beach.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Those selling the drugs are replacing them with a less lethal, but very strong tranquilizer, called medetomidine, which results in severe withdrawal symptoms.—
Andy Sheehan,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
-
In many areas, the sheer toxicity of street drugs and the presence of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer associated with severe skin wounds that can require amputation, has led many users to avoid syringes at all costs.—
Lev Facher,
STAT,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Microorganisms in thermal mud produce a variety of compounds with therapeutic properties, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and analgesics, the study found.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Turmeric may have effects similar to those of analgesics, medicines used to relieve pain.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The rooms The 132 rooms (including nine suites and a presidential suite) feel airy, soothing, and upscale without veering fussy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Step one clears away dead skin and gunk with exfoliating acids like lactic, malic, and glycolic; step two adds in soothing, anti-aging ingredients like green tea and adenosine.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Across cultures and eras, the Moon has symbolized constancy, the comforting cycle of tides, months, fertility, and agriculture.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Start with the pimiento cheese and homemade chips, then move on to the Poulet de Normandy, a comforting chicken casserole layered over cornbread stuffing.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The mountain is incredibly hypnotic when catching the pearly hues of the first and last light of day and distils the unearthly beauty of the Himalayas into one gorgeous frame.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Stasevska was born in 1984, the same year that Glass’ hypnotic, ritualistic opera, about an Egyptian pharaoh who dared to push monotheism onto his polytheistic culture, debuted in Stuttgart, Germany.—
Tim Greiving,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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