What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
narcotic
Example
The doctor prescribed a narcotic to manage the patient's pain. [narcotic: noun]
Example
The police found a stash of narcotics in the suspect's car. [narcotics: plural noun]
sedative
Example
The dentist gave me a sedative before the procedure to help me relax. [sedative: noun]
Example
The doctor prescribed a sedative to help the patient sleep. [sedative: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sedative is more commonly used than narcotic in everyday language. Sedative is a more general term that covers a wider range of medications, while narcotic is a more specific term that refers to a particular class of drugs.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between narcotic and sedative?
Both narcotic and sedative are formal terms that are typically used in medical or legal contexts. However, narcotic may have a more negative connotation due to its association with addiction and abuse.
