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
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Example Sentences
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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
Erin Qualey, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
They may be forced to stay in their carriers without breaks, and in some cases, sedatives are used to keep them calm – a practice many pet parents would rather avoid.
—William Mullane, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 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
Molly settles into bed for the last time, and Amy is ready with a sedative.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
They may be forced to stay in their carriers without breaks, and in some cases, sedatives are used to keep them calm – a practice many pet parents would rather avoid.
—William Mullane, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
Noun
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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
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In 1980, Gallup asked whether Americans would object strongly to some presidential behaviors, including using tranquilizers occasionally (36% did), seeing a psychiatrist (30%), wearing jeans occasionally in the Oval Office (21%) and having a cocktail before dinner each night (14%).—
Karlyn Bowman,
Forbes.com,
5 May 2025
Adjective
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As soothing as that may sound, fun is really the theme.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2025
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To help replenish healthy-looking skin while preventing irritation from the potent star ingredient, there’s a soothing and moisturizing blend of hyaluronic acid and shea butter.—
Deanna Pai,
Glamour,
28 May 2025
Noun
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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
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In lab research, one potential concern is performing live dissections, once known as vivisection, without anesthetics or analgesics.—
Bob Fischer,
The Conversation,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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