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Definitions

sedate

[si-deyt] / sɪˈdeɪt /
ADJECTIVE
calm, collected
Synonyms
STRONGEST
decorous dignified laid-back placid quiet serene sober solemn somber staid tranquil unflappable
STRONG
composed cool deliberate grave steady
WEAK
cold sober cool as cucumber demure dispassionate earnest imperturbable no-nonsense proper seemly serious unruffled
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agitated excited frivolous indecorous loud noisy troubled
STRONG
annoyed upset
WEAK
excitable lively

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.

Nursing homes have a powerful incentive to sedate residents, and comparatively few people are watching.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

In the low-key and sedate drama “Midwinter Break,” a married couple who have been together a very long time treat each other with nothing but love, tenderness and respect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

There was another two-star review from the Guardian's Arifa Akbar, who said the show's atmosphere is "sedate", with "no peril whatsoever".

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

At the recent Fish and Game Commission meeting, Samantha Murray, commission vice president, described him as having a “steady, calm, like, sedate presence,” and hailed his long institutional knowledge.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2025

At that precise moment, if the order came to sedate, he wasn’t sure if he would, or could.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer