sedative 1 of 2

adjective

ˈse-də-tiv How to pronounce sedative (audio)
Definition of sedativenext
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

sedative

2 of 2

noun

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
Adjective
The firm’s employees took Quaaludes, a sedative medication, like candy, hired prostitutes regularly, and held gambling sprees in Monte Carlo and Las Vegas. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 14 July 2026 The Drug Enforcement Administration says kratom produces stimulant effects in low doses and sedative effects in high doses, and can lead to psychotic symptoms, and psychological and physiological dependence. — Jake Rosenwasser, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Noun
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, diphenhydramine has a sedative effect which teens resist to reach a hallucinogenic or euphoric state. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026 The woman did a Google image search and concluded that the drug was stronger — Ambien, a prescription sedative, reads the complaint. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
  1. relaxing
  2. tranquilizer
  3. soothing
  4. analgesic
  5. comforting
  6. hypnotic
Adjective
  • The Spa The communal areas and treatment rooms at Life in Balance Spa underwent a top-to-bottom overhaul, so even a mani-pedi feels intensely relaxing.
    — Jessica Ritz, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
  • There will be no relaxing weekend for Broncos coaches and front office executives.
    — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of relaxing
Noun
  • Other monkeys, including some of the larger and more dominant macaques, had to be subdued with tranquilizer darts before they could be captured.
    — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
  • The worrisome drug withdrawal popping up in jails A powerful tranquilizer has started to accompany fentanyl in the country’s illicit opioid supply, and jails are struggling to handle the drug’s excruciating, complicated withdrawal symptoms.
    — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 26 June 2026
Definition of tranquilizer
Adjective
  • The formula packs green tea extract for soothing and antioxidant-rich rosehip oil for skin brightening.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Wind Features Kinetic wind features also create a focal point, and their rhythmic motion in the wind can be as soothing as that of a water feature.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of soothing
Noun
  • Local clinics lack the most basic medications, like fever-reducing drugs and analgesics.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The physician performs a detailed history and physical examination, reviews prior films, discusses conservative management, and orders physical therapy plus non-opioid analgesics.
    — Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of analgesic
Adjective
  • The availability of my driver’s license to anyone willing to cough up a fee isn’t exactly a comforting thought.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • But fear not, Margo’s wig remains a comforting presence through it all.
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of comforting
Adjective
  • Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese artist known for her hypnotic, repetitive polka dot artworks, died earlier this week at the age of 97.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Her hypnotic, unconventional works propelled her from near-obscurity to a place in the world’s most prominent museums.
    — Juno Carmel, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of hypnotic

Browse Nearby Words

sedating
sedative
sedatives
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Cite this Entry

“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sedative

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sedative

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