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

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 As the lethal dose of the sedative pentobarbital began flowing, Ramey took a deep breath, sputtered and began snoring. — Michael Graczyk, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026

Noun

In 1961, however, studies in animals revealed that clozapine acts primarily as a sedative and exerts its effects without inducing muscle rigidity, as previous antipsychotics had. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026 Pike, 50, who was sentenced to death for a 1995 murder, was administered two doses of just one drug, pentobarbital, a sedative. — Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 2 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 14 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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