SEDATE Synonyms: 233 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sedate 1 of 2

adjective

si-ˈdāt

Definition of sedate next

as in solemn

not joking or playful in mood or manner while not exactly cold, the doctor does maintain a sedate and purely professional demeanor with his patients

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in calm

free from emotional or mental agitation her expression remained sedate as I told her the bad news

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sedate

2 of 2

verb

as in to narcotize

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of sedate

Adjective

Volkswagen has historically been seen as a serious and sedate brand but its partnership with Marvel has helped to soften that. —

Caroline Reid, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 Since last week brought a thriller, this week — until that last ten minutes — lands in someplace more sedate. —

Noel Murray, Vulture, 30 June 2024

Verb

For 10 days, Derek was sedated and on life support. —

Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 19 Nov. 2024 The governor was sedated for the procedure, which took less than an hour. —

Jack Dura, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sedate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedate

Adjective

Standing in front of the CIA Memorial Wall—the agency’s most important and solemn location—Trump offered remarks that resembled a campaign event, rambling from one random topic to another, including how big the crowds were at his inauguration.

— Peter Schroeder, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2025
Seated beside the President-elect, who donned a dark suit and royal blue tie, Melania Trump appeared noticeably solemn.

— Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025