sedative

1 of 2

adjective

sed·a·tive ˈse-də-tiv

Synonyms of sedative

: tending to calm, moderate, or tranquilize nervousness or excitement

sedative

2 of 2

Examples of sedative in a Sentence

Adjective some people find a glass of wine to be a civilized and sedative addition to an evening meal Noun The patient was given a powerful sedative.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Adjective

Ambien, or zolpidem, acts on GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system to produce a sedative effect, states FDA prescribing information. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 While one form, or isomer, of thalidomide has a sedative effect, the other is thought to cause abnormal physiological development. — Sajish Mathew, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026

Noun

The analysis suggested melatonin could offer advantages over traditional sedatives for older adults, who may be more susceptible to confusion after surgery. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Others cite potential sharp shifts in drug use behaviors, such as people stopping opioid use because the supply became less desirable through lacing with sedatives such as xylazine and medetomidine. — J. Travis Donahoe, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sedative

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, alleviating pain, from Middle French sedatif, from Medieval Latin sedativus, from Latin sedatus

First Known Use

Adjective

1779, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1797, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of sedative was in 1779

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

sedation

sedative

sedative salt

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Sedative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sedative. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sedative

1 of 2 adjective

sed·a·tive ˈsed-ət-iv

: tending to calm or to ease tension

sedative

2 of 2 noun

: a sedative medicine

Medical Definition

sedative

1 of 2 adjective

sed·a·tive ˈsed-ət-iv

: tending to calm, moderate, or tranquilize nervousness or excitement

sedative effects of anesthetics and analgesics—Linda C. Haynes et al.

sedative

2 of 2 noun

: a sedative agent or drug

sedative

adjective

noun

Synonyms of sedative

Examples of sedative in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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