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
Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
Withdrawing or withholding care, or using strong sedatives that advance death, are regarded as legally distinct, if ending life is not the main aim.
—The Week, theweek, 10 Nov. 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
Once known by nicknames like laughing gas and hippy crack, the inhalant nitrous oxide — a sedative commonly used by healthcare providers — is getting attention online.
—Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
Withdrawing or withholding care, or using strong sedatives that advance death, are regarded as legally distinct, if ending life is not the main aim.
—The Week, theweek, 10 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sedative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedative
Noun
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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
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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
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For a soothing, restorative dinner post-cocktails, try MaMou.—
Jenny Adams,
AFAR Media,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Digestive Conditions Ginger is widely known for its soothing effects on the stomach.—
Lauren O'Connor, MS,
Health,
10 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
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Acetaminophen, also an analgesic, works to enhance the opioid's pain-relieving capabilities.—
Ayesha Gulzar,
Verywell Health,
3 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near sedative
Cite this Entry
“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedative. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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