: a sedative agent or drug
Synonyms of sedative
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Adjective
Examples of sedative in a Sentence
Adjective
some people find a glass of wine to be a civilized and sedative addition to an evening meal
Noun
The patient was given a powerful sedative.
Recent Examples on the Web
Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Depending on the dosage, consumption can cause stimulant effects in low dosages and sedative effects in high doses, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2020.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026
Ashley Paul, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
The wrecked car was overturned with the nude model sleeping inside—playing dead with help from a mild sedative.
—Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026
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Adjective
Prescription medicines used to treat anxiety, including benzodiazepines, are also flagged due to their sedative effects.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Depending on the dosage, consumption can cause stimulant effects in low dosages and sedative effects in high doses, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2020.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
Impact of medetomidine The medical term for the drug is called medetomidine, and it is used in veterinary offices as an animal sedative.
—Ashley Paul, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
The wrecked car was overturned with the nude model sleeping inside—playing dead with help from a mild sedative.
—Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sedative. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sedative
1 of 2 adjective
sed·a·tive
ˈsed-ət-iv 
: tending to calm or to ease tension
sedative
2 of 2 noun
: a sedative medicine
Medical Definition
sedative
1 of 2 adjective
sed·a·tive
ˈsed-ət-iv
: tending to calm, moderate, or tranquilize nervousness or excitement
sedative effects of anesthetics and analgesics—Linda C. Haynes et al.
Linda C. Haynes et al.sedative
2 of 2 noun
: a sedative agent or drug
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