Synonyms of decompress

decompress

verb

ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres 

as in to relax

to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety

after she gets home from work, she needs some time to decompress before preparing dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tense (up)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of decompress

Repeatedly analyzing old conversations or unresolved issues isn’t getting you anywhere, so consider this an opportunity to take a step back and allow your mind to decompress. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

Take breaks, organize with a support person, and allow yourself time to decompress after each session. — The Spruce, 24 Aug. 2026

That’s all — a quick jaunt from Point A to Point B, a chance to catch up and decompress after a hectic semester. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026

Evans said Collinson’s research indicates that the ability to rest and decompress at the beginning of a journey can influence the enjoyment that follows. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026