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
Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
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
Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026
The sedative is not typically tested for as it cannot be legally obtained in the United States.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Adjective
Kratom has both stimulant and sedative effects, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
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
Noun
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
The sedative is not typically tested for as it cannot be legally obtained in the United States.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
Adjective
-
For a more relaxing itinerary, book a mineral water soak in the bathhouse at Carson Hot Springs Resort, which has been providing access to pure hot spring waters since the early 1900s.—
Molly Allen,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Other than that, hot water can be a relaxing treat at other points in the day.—
Julia Ries Wexler,
Outside,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
After that, officials decided to use tranquilizer darts to take down the animals believed to be the three adults in the pack before euthanizing them.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Recent years, for example, have seen a major increase in adulteration with the horse tranquilizer xylazine, which knocks users out but doesn’t satisfy the opioid craving.—
Charles Fain Lehman,
The Atlantic,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The feds began cracking down on prescription opioid analgesics (OAs) to combat their overprescribing to people with pain issues.—
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
19 Dec. 2025
-
Some studies suggest lemongrass has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
8 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Elsewhere, the Lotus Spa provides a soothing sanctuary and full menu of pricey treatments.—
Fran Golden,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The usually soothing nature of Amy Hood, one of my favorite CFOs, couldn't cut through the clutter.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Few meals are as comforting as pot roast.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Artichoke dip is always a favorite; queso is another warm and comforting classic.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Universal wrapped the coaster cars in a hypnotic geometric black-and-white zebra design to obscure the ride vehicles.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Other artists of this era sought to intervene, guerrilla style, in the apparatuses of advertising, in order to shake consumers from their hypnotic slumber.—
Michael Cowan,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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