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
Overall, the cabin is somewhat sedate but no less comfortable and has an abundance of storage options. PCMAG, 6 Feb. 2025 The moment was dramatic, but Mr. Trump’s delivery was unusually sedate. James Poniewozik, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
Some are a bit stronger and more likely to be sedating. Eileen Finan, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025 This means that patients don't need to be sedated, there is very little risk of tissue damage, and the procedure can be performed in an out-patient clinic. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sedate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedate
Adjective
  • The noble profile of a solemn, aging Great Dane named Apollo dominates Scott McGehee and David Siegel’s The Friend, a movie nominally about the difficulties of caring for a pet in New York City.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Then, with his hopes of starting the season in the major leagues officially dashed, Hinch and his family began the solemn drive from Philly to the team’s Triple-A site in Scranton, Pa.
    Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Tsunoda came into the weekend with fairly calm expectations, saying that a Q3 appearance and points return would be a good start.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The sulfur and salicylic acid calm things down without stripping my skin, and there’s even charcoal and bentonite clay to go even deeper and pull out gunk.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Apr. 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
  • Age restrictions could impact the positives that social media brings, and still fall short of solving its more serious issues.
    Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • No one is more than a degree or two of separation from someone with a serious health condition.
    Primary care physicians, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The video initially shows serene underwater footage featuring fish gliding through turquoise waters.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The primary suite, situated on the main floor, features a serene bathroom with bamboo detailing on the ceiling and a private terrace overlooking the lake.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • One reason for this is that estrogen helps keep blood vessels flexible and supports the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that allows vessels to relax and maintain healthy blood flow.
    Matthew Nudy, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Those restrictions were relaxed after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
    Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Fifteen games have passed since, cementing Deepdale as one of the sternest away trips in the English Football League.
    Sam Tighe, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Subplots like his minority investment in the sleazy nightclub The Snakehole Lounge afforded him the opportunity to showcase a stunning variety of little coats, unlike Scott, whose stern and straight-laced state auditor Ben Wyatt seemingly never changes into anything less formal.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In the opening scene of Season 3, Nicholas Duvernay’s character hurls expletives at a Buddha statue — encapsulating the character’s cultural ignorance while also foreshadowing how the retreat will be anything but peaceful for those seeking peace.
    Viren Naidu, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Tesla’s stock has plummeted nearly 50 percent since late December, and the EV company has become a target for both peaceful protests and violent demonstrations, including vandalism, shootings and arson attacks.
    Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sedate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedate. Accessed 16 Apr. 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!