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
Jillian Frankel, People.com, 22 May 2025
The first complication arises when a fellow passenger laces Reyes’ drink with a sedative, then carries him to the luxury-class bathroom to finish him off.
—Joe Leydon, Variety, 8 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Adjective
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a sedative that, when administrated by healthcare professionals, can help patients stay comfortable during routine medical procedures, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
—Jillian Frankel, People.com, 22 May 2025
The first complication arises when a fellow passenger laces Reyes’ drink with a sedative, then carries him to the luxury-class bathroom to finish him off.
—Joe Leydon, Variety, 8 May 2025
Noun
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
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
Noun
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Buzbee also said that many of his clients claim Puff used horse tranquilizers to sedate them.—
Jessica Bennett,
VIBE.com,
2 Oct. 2024
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According to the municipal code, tranquilizers can be used as a means of capture.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Our Reading Accent Chair is a must, with fabric and color options available in delicate Cream Linen or soothing Olive Green.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 June 2025
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For many aging pets, car rides can be a soothing and enjoyable outing.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
Noun
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Turmeric may have similar effects to analgesics, medicines used to relieve pain.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
18 June 2025
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Not to mention, future science could also lead to an entirely different analgesic that functions better and with fewer downsides, Dr. Espey points out.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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