Synonyms of de-stress

de-stress

verb

ˈdē-ˈstres 

as in to relax

to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety

he watches classic movie comedies as a way to de-stress

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relax
• unwind
• decompress
• chill
• rest
• wind down
• loosen up
• hang loose
• mellow (out)
• chill out
• compose
• bask
• settle
• relieve
• unbend
• alleviate
• calm
• lounge
• comfort
• repose
• ease
• vegetate
• kick back
• laze
• idle
• bum
• cool
• hang (around or out)
• loll
• dawdle
• hack (around)
• quiet
• goof (off)
• zone out
• loaf
• drone
• veg out
• dillydally
• footle
• dally

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tense (up)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of de-stress

They are often marketed as a screen-free toy that can help kids, teens, and adults de-stress and focus. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026

The program aims to de-stress passengers, especially those traveling for difficult reasons. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026

Progressive muscle relaxation helps with de-stressing by tapping into your mind-body connection. — Stefanie Groner, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2026

In theory, any vacation is meant to help you de-stress, unwind, and recharge. — Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2026