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Synonyms

sedative

American  
[sed-uh-tiv] / ˈsɛd ə tɪv /

adjective

  1. tending to calm or soothe.

  2. allaying irritability or excitement; assuaging pain; lowering functional activity.

noun

  1. a sedative drug or agent.

sedative British  
/ ˈsɛdətɪv /

adjective

  1. having a soothing or calming effect

  2. of or relating to sedation

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. med a sedative drug or agent

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
sedative Scientific  
/ sĕd′ə-tĭv /

  1. A drug having a calming or quieting effect, often given to reduce anxiety or to promote relaxation.

Other Word Forms

  • unsedative adjective

Etymology

Origin of sedative

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English (adjective), from Middle French sédatif, from Medieval Latin sēdātīvus; equivalent to sedate + -ive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

All received the same five-drug regimen: a drug that prevents nausea and vomiting, a sedative, fentanyl, propofol and a muscle relaxant.

From BBC • Nov. 24, 2025

Scientists are still learning about its complex effects, which can range from stimulant to sedative and stem from chemical compounds called alkaloids.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2024

Xylazine is a prescription sedative used by veterinarians to safely handle and treat farm animals, wildlife, zoo animals and household pets such as cats and dogs.

From Seattle Times • May 8, 2024

Developed in Germany in the 1950s, thalidomide was originally used as a sedative or tranquiliser, but soon became widely promoted around the world as a morning sickness drug.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2023

I saw that turbulent emotions possessed her, so I asked what I thought would be some sedative questions about her little girl.

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.