sedate 1 of 2

1
2

sedate

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sedate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sedate are earnest, grave, serious, sober, solemn, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

When might earnest be a better fit than sedate?

While in some cases nearly identical to sedate, earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

In what contexts can grave take the place of sedate?

The words grave and sedate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

Where would serious be a reasonable alternative to sedate?

The synonyms serious and sedate are sometimes interchangeable, but serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

When could sober be used to replace sedate?

In some situations, the words sober and sedate are roughly equivalent. However, sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When would solemn be a good substitute for sedate?

The meanings of solemn and sedate largely overlap; however, solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

When is staid a more appropriate choice than sedate?

While the synonyms staid and sedate are close in meaning, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

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 sedate
Adjective
Radium Performance View 4 Images Some electric skateboards are nice sedate things, designed for leisurely commutes on city sidewalks. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 7 Apr. 2025 There was a time when fashion existed but moved at a comparatively more sedate pace. Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
Through Casemiro, United rendered the second half sedate enough to allow Amad and Matthijs de Ligt minutes on return from their respective ankle injuries. Mark Critchley, New York Times, 2 May 2025 The man was sedated and placed on his stomach, and the back of his head was shaved in order to access the rod, according to the report. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sedate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedate
Adjective
  • President Donald Trump delivered a history-laden Memorial Day speech after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, his remarks echoing against the solemn backdrop of Arlington National Cemetery, final resting place of more than 400,000 veterans and their family members.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Easter can be a solemn event, but only the few days before.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Few clubs can match Newcastle for its success rate with player arrivals, and that comes from being calm and patient.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • The skies will likely be clear throughout the day, forecasts show, with a calm wind blowing through the city in the afternoon.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Most are unable to rise above the stylistic miasma of the production — Whitehead sounds narcotized even when Pip isn’t on drugs — or the entirely new words they’ve been asked to say.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2023
  • The smartphone, for all its wonder and utility, has also proved to be a narcotizing agent.
    Derek Thompson, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2019
Adjective
  • Nobody else can do what Isak does, but Newcastle lack serious backup at centre-forward.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • There were no serious injuries reported or arrests made among the crowd of about 500 teenagers.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Thank goodness the architects of the serene Richelieu wing of the Louvre understood that the most elegant way to experience the outdoors is from inside.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
  • To continue on this casita’s theme of relaxation, there’s also a huge outdoor tub where guests can enjoy a serene soak, watching the stars turn above the hilly landscape.
    Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • The lounge is outfitted with a luxurious sofa to relax in.
    Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
  • Tusk had promised to relax both bans, but they are supported by some of the more socially conservative lawmakers propping up his government, and the threat of a presidential veto likely renders any efforts at persuasion futile.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • The flybridge has a reverse radar arch that prompts a double take, while the remainder of the exterior focuses on open space (case in point, the foredeck), along with the beautiful design of the cockpit and stern area.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 28 May 2025
  • And, Boeing would have had to submit to a Justice Department—appointed compliance monitor, with the independence and power to impose stern safety reforms.
    Charles Tiefer, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • The attack took place during a peaceful weekly gathering of individuals, walking together to demonstrate solidarity with hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas and to call for their release.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 2 June 2025
  • How peaceful that Nvidia is trying to expand in China.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sedate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sedate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!