serious implies a concern for what really matters.
a serious play about social injustice
grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.
read the proclamation in a grave voice
solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.
a sad and solemn occasion
sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.
remained sedate amid the commotion
staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.
a quiet and staid community
sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.
a sober look at the state of our schools
earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.
an earnest reformer
Examples of sedate in a Sentence
Adjective
We walked the beach at a sedate pace.
He remained sedate under pressure. Verb
The doctor sedated the patient heavily.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
What looks like your typical Irish bar on the outside is full of surprises, starting with a black and white checkered floor, a red and purple backlit bar, a coffered ceiling and a vibrant atmosphere that changes from sedate to sultry as the night goes on.—Usa Today Network, USA TODAY, 29 July 2024 From its original red, orange, yellow, white, black, striped, spotted user interface the product evolved to a more sedate appearance in the modern edition.—PCMAG, 25 July 2024
Verb
She was reportedly sedated and awaiting electroshock therapy in an Asheville mental institution when the building caught fire.—Melonee Hurt, USA TODAY, 26 July 2024 After about two months of treatment, including numerous surgeries, a gastronomy tube to provide nutrition, and being intubated and sedated for 40 days, Reese died on December 17, 2020.—Mia Taylor, Parents, 26 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for sedate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sedate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Latin sedatus, from past participle of sedare to calm; akin to sedēre to sit — more at sit
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