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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in tranquilizer
Related Words
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
Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Yet, unlike cortisol, oxytocin will have an effect on your body akin to that of a sedative.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 19 Aug. 2025
The library’s encyclopedias, clear and sedative beside the Bible’s cryptic thrills, still misled; Ruth lived for decades in an alternate reality containing Zanzibar and dipsomania.
—Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Adjective
At higher doses, kratom can be used as a sedative and potentially cause psychosis.
—Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Yet, unlike cortisol, oxytocin will have an effect on your body akin to that of a sedative.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
There were also drops in binge drinking, lower scores on alcohol use disorder tests, and reductions in both the stimulating and sedative effects of alcohol.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 19 Aug. 2025
The library’s encyclopedias, clear and sedative beside the Bible’s cryptic thrills, still misled; Ruth lived for decades in an alternate reality containing Zanzibar and dipsomania.
—Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
Adjective
-
Golfers can play a round at the renowned Torrey Pines golf course, and for those looking for a more relaxing experience, a hike through Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers incredible coastal views in the last surviving home of the namesake tree in the continental United States.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
25 Oct. 2025
-
One of the most relaxing parts of the day is burrowing under your blankets before drifting off to sleep.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
After ambushing Fuller at her mansion, Teddy and his accomplice/cousin Don (Aidan Delbis) knock her unconscious with a tranquilizer and load her into the backseat of her own car.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
-
After that incident, the department changed its approach and shot the remaining three adults with tranquilizer darts rather than a firearm, then euthanized them on the ground with injections of the type a sick animal might receive when being put to sleep by a veterinarian.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The soothing, antioxidant-rich formula offers enough coverage that it can be used in lieu of a tinted moisturizer or lightweight foundation.—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
-
What results is a soothing outdoor space that stays beautiful from season to season.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The draft guidance could shape clinical trial designs, labeling considerations and FDA review expectations for future prescription non-opioid analgesics seeking approval for chronic pain indications, potentially influencing investment and development priorities in the pharmaceutical industry.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Tylenol’s active ingredient is acetaminophen, a drug that is known as an analgesic, which can help with pain relief.—
Aria Bendix,
NBC news,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Make the hearty and comforting flavors of taco soup a bit more rich with this creamy taco soup recipe.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Dishes like wild halibut with Jimmy Nardello peppers and spaghetti with squash and spinach feel nourishing and comforting, but never boring.—
Jocelyn Silver,
Vogue,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share