tranquilize

verb

ˈtraŋ-kwə-ˌlīz How to pronounce tranquilize (audio)
variants also tranquillize
Definition of tranquilizenext
as in to calm
to free from distress or disturbance at long last the crying baby was tranquilized by the steady rocking of her cradle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tranquilize Chatterjee pointed out that in cases of conflict between wildlife and people in South Asia, rapid deployment of forest staff and conservation teams is critical to secure the area, manage crowds, and safely guide or tranquilize animals before situations escalate. — ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026 He was tranquilized from approximately 20 meters (66 feet) away. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2026 He was tranquilized from approximately 20 meters — about 66 feet — away. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2026 In 2024, an attempt was made to tranquilize the lenient evaluations. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tranquilize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquilize
  1. calm
  2. soothe
  3. compose
  4. lull
  5. appease
Verb
  • So the Dodgers have shut him down from all activity this week in hopes that things calm down.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Both formulas feature zinc oxide, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to provide physical sun protection, reduce redness and calm the complexion, and hydrate the skin.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 17 July 2026
Definition of calm
Verb
  • Currently level with Messi on eight goals (the Argentinian has the tiebreaker of more assists, four to three), a couple more on the scoresheet in Miami might soothe Mbappe’s personal pride despite his nation’s semi-final disappointment.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 July 2026
  • Blanket sucking is a self-soothing behavior thought to mimic nursing.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of soothe
Verb
  • The dots composing the words move up the screen while the rest of the pinpoints move downward, generating a visual opposition that the human mind can detect and discern.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 July 2026
  • Abrams is doing it all this time — writing, directing, producing, and even, for the first time, composing the original score.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 15 July 2026
Definition of compose
Verb
  • The Wave percale sheets are guaranteed to lull you to sleep, like you’re being rocked by the gentle lapping of the ocean.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 July 2026
  • By stop-starting Gvardiol — a trick that lulls defenders into a false sense of security — and then faking to go one way and then the other, Messi found space where there seemed to be none and set up Julian Alvarez for Argentina’s third goal.
    — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of lull
Verb
  • In fact, according to the gossip columnist, the decision was made to appease staff.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 July 2026
  • To appease holdouts, Johnson proposed merging the SAVE America Act with the annual defense policy bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, before sending it to the Senate.
    — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of appease

Browse Nearby Words

tranquility
tranquilize
tranquilized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tranquilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquilize. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tranquilize

Nglish: Translation of tranquilize for Spanish Speakers

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