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
The primary suite is a more sedate space with a ribbon of windows looking into the surrounding treetops. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2025 But its adults-only Hideaway area – one of eight neighborhoods on board – is more sedate. Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 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
  • In a solemn message, Dominican President Luis Abinader addressed the nation’s grief.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In Ireland, however, St. Patrick’s Day remained a solemn day of observance with little revelry.
    Bryan McGovern, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Clouds will hang around most of the evening, and the low will be around 57 along with calm overnight winds.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025
  • In fact, even Messier 104's central supermassive black hole—which is more than 2,000 times larger than its counterpart in the Milky Way, Sagittarius A, at a staggering 9 billion solar masses—is quite calm.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 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
  • In total, 36 people were hospitalized, and 7 people developed Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney disorder.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • These behaviors can lead to serious side effects, from bloating and nausea all the way up to heart attack and stroke, Pasricha says.
    Andee Tagle, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hotel is a luxury resort located along the serene mangroves, offering a peaceful escape while still being close to the action of the downtown.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The region marks the entrance to the Kettle Moraine State Forest and is a serene backyard for residents of Milwaukee: a patchwork of wetlands, forests, and prairie land.
    Tim Chester, AFAR Media, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The emphasis is on unplugging from TVs and phones and relaxing and reconnecting.
    Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
  • There’s also a pre-treatment scalp massage that helps guests relax for their massage, facial, or other experience.
    Robin Raven, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ars Technica: One of the most visually arresting images from James Cameron's blockbuster film Titanic was the ship's stern sticking straight up out of the water after breaking apart from the bow.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Leeds also drive some of the sternest vitriol along opponents’ terraces.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Most demonstrations at Tesla showrooms or charging stations have been peaceful, though some incidents have involved violence, shootings and setting cars on fire.
    Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Advertisement Advertisement The principles of a free, open, and peaceful space are enshrined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which all major space powers have ratified, including the U.S., Russia, and China.
    Andrew Hanna, Time, 13 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sedate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedate. Accessed 25 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!