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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in tranquilizer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sedative
Dallas News, 30 Jan. 2023
The first antipsychotic was designed as a sedative, and so on.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2017
Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025
Corcoran was scheduled to be executed with the powerful sedative pentobarbital, but the state agency's statement didn't mention that drug.
—CBS News, 18 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Adjective
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
The first antipsychotic was designed as a sedative, and so on.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2017
Noun
While some of the chemicals in teas have sedative effects, the benefits of drinking tea for sleep include reducing stress and anxiety that can keep you awake.14
Many people opt for chamomile tea before bed due to its calming properties.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025
Corcoran was scheduled to be executed with the powerful sedative pentobarbital, but the state agency's statement didn't mention that drug.
—CBS News, 18 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
Noun
-
Photos released by the commission show the panther in a tree before the tranquilizer took effect, at which point the animal was caught in a net.—
Landon Mion,
Fox News,
16 Feb. 2025
-
After parroting LaGuerta’s message about learning from our mistakes, Dex explains that he’s found the perfect tranquilizer and even has a convenient dosing chart to make sure to avoid any future accidents.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The best facial massager for you will be the one that not only targets your primary skin-care concerns but also offers a soothing moment of self-care, keeping you coming back for more.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
22 Feb. 2025
-
The scents are typically designed to smell soothing and sophisticated.—
Jenny Berg,
Allure,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Importantly, the medication is not an opioid, which means that medical professionals now have an alternative to treating acute pain that doesn’t require using a potentially addictive analgesic.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 Jan. 2025
-
Acetaminophen, also an analgesic, works to enhance the opioid's pain-relieving capabilities.—
Ayesha Gulzar,
Verywell Health,
3 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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