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
Greg Evans, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
The one living victim mentioned in the indictment survived and emerged from a five-day coma after Phelps allegedly administered large amounts of prescription sedatives to him over the course of a week, Evans said.
—Rebekah Riess, CNN, 23 Feb. 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
His career was dealt a blow in 2021 when he was convicted of illegally purchasing and using the sedative propofol.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
The one living victim mentioned in the indictment survived and emerged from a five-day coma after Phelps allegedly administered large amounts of prescription sedatives to him over the course of a week, Evans said.
—Rebekah Riess, CNN, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
Noun
-
Sometimes, short-acting tranquilizers can help, but some of these same medicines can also cause sleepwalking.18 When sleepwalking is related to an underlying disorder or medication, treating that condition or switching medications may help.—
Ann Pietrangelo,
Verywell Health,
28 Mar. 2025
-
The Who played there in 1973, although during the concert, drummer Keith Moon passed out after reportedly taking horse tranquilizers.—
Daniel Brown,
The Athletic,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Where to watch: Prime Video, Peacock Classical Baby For a more soothing musical option, try HBO’s ‘90s show Classical Baby.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Speaking of Nancy Meyers and Steve Martin, there’s probably nothing more soothing than watching Meryl Streep cook in a gorgeous Santa Barbara kitchen.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Peppermint Oil Peppermint oil is a topical analgesic that may help alleviate pain from tense jaw muscles associated with TMJ dysfunction.—
Christopher Bergland,
Verywell Health,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Participants who’d been issued at least two acetaminophen prescriptions within six months – and not in combination with other analgesics like codeine – were defined as exposed to acetaminophen.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share