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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in tranquilizer
Synonyms & Similar 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
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
Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 13 May 2025
But the Florida Supreme Court, in a unanimous opinion issued Thursday, rejected the arguments about etomidate, a sedative.
—Jim Saunders, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Adjective
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
Noun
According to the Orange County Sheriff's Department, the officer found a dead male victim in the front seat of Kraft’s vehicle along with empty beer bottles and an open bottle of the sedative medication Lorazepam.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 13 May 2025
But the Florida Supreme Court, in a unanimous opinion issued Thursday, rejected the arguments about etomidate, a sedative.
—Jim Saunders, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
Noun
-
According to the municipal code, tranquilizers can be used as a means of capture.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2025
-
The amount of fentanyl appears to be dropping (see above), while the amount of animal tranquilizers, such as medetomidine and xylazine, is rising.—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
She was dressed in a conservative suit and low heels and in her soothing but authoritative voice reminded me of a flight attendant delivering in-flight instructions.—
Lisa Pratta
June 12,
Literary Hub,
12 June 2025
-
There’s nothing more soothing… or surprisingly loud.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
There are several topical analgesic (pain-relieving) creams that contain turmeric and other ingredients like menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate.—
Rebeca Schiller,
Verywell Health,
16 May 2025
-
Treatment Is a Possible Way to Avoid or Delay Knee Replacement While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, people can ease symptoms with medications, including analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen), and corticosteroids.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share