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

He added that some surveys suggest that sedate hiring has made job hunting especially frustrating for those out of work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Amateur racers, pimped-out coupes, woodies and ragtops, sedate sedans and souped-up hot rods, all shared the brand-new, wide-open freeways and boulevards.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 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

Not the raucous patchwork of the Green Mountains, but the sedate brocade of a Massachusetts city.

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson

Vocabulary lists containing sedate

A Separate Peace

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Mellow Out: Synonyms for "Calm"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

National Nurses Week: Tasks and Equipment

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!