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re·lax | \ ri-ˈlaks 
\
\relaxed; relaxing; relaxes
Definition of relax
1 : to make less tense or rigid : slacken relaxed his grip
2 : to make less severe or stringent : modify relax immigration laws
3 : to deprive of energy, zeal, or strength of purpose
4 : to relieve from nervous tension
5 : to treat (hair) chemically in order to relax curls
1 : to become lax, weak, or loose : rest
2 : to become less intense or severe
hoped the committee would relax in its opposition
3 of a muscle or muscle fiber : to become inactive and lengthen
4 : to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety
couldn't relax in crowds
5 : to seek rest or recreation
relax at the seashore
6 : to relieve constipation
7 : to attain equilibrium following the abrupt removal of some influence (such as light, high temperature, or stress)
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Synonyms & Antonyms for relax
Synonyms
- chill,
- chill out
- [slang],
- decompress,
- de-stress,
- loosen up,
- mellow (out),
- unwind,
- wind down
Antonyms
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Examples of relax in a Sentence
The muscles in my neck and shoulders should relax after a nice hot shower.
A hot shower relaxed the tight muscles in my neck and shoulders.
I can't relax with all this noise!
Just relax, there's nothing to worry about.
Try to relax and enjoy the ride.
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Recent Examples on the Web But transplant centers have been relaxing their criteria, faced with the uptick in younger people.
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Shari Rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, "They were young. They thought they had time. Then they nearly died of liver disease.," 18 Feb. 2020 Kapler asked Cueto why, and the pitcher responded that chewing something relaxes him.
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Henry Schulman, SFChronicle.com, "Giants’ Gabe Kapler raves about Tyler Beede’s command in bullpen session," 16 Feb. 2020 According to the People report, Harry and Meghan have been spending most of their time relaxing in their Vancouver Island home or hiking in the woods nearby.
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Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Apparently "Besotted" With Each Other Amid Their Royal Exit," 15 Feb. 2020 The couple also operate a business in Maryland where former military veterans, many of whom are handicapped, can hunt and relax at his rural property.
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Jeff Forward, Houston Chronicle, "Villager Q&A: Don Shipley, ex-Navy SEAL who tracks down military imposters," 14 Feb. 2020 Making that relaxing ride a reality is a huge technological hurdle that's saddled with an astronomical price tag.
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Roberto Baldwin, Car and Driver, "Self-Driving-Car Research Has Cost $16 Billion. What Do We Have to Show for It?," 10 Feb. 2020 Ironically, the new rules — which have since been relaxed some — came too late to save Shintech’s plant.
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Sara Sneath, ProPublica, "How Louisiana Lawmakers Stop Residents’ Efforts to Fight Big Oil and Gas," 7 Feb. 2020 When blocked, blood vessel walls relax and blood flow is increased.
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Sandee Lamotte, CNN, "Your erectile dysfunction pill could make you see red (or blue)," 7 Feb. 2020 The Kardashians have long evangelized waist trainers, wearing them at the gym or, especially, while relaxing at home.
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Jessica Testa, New York Times, "Kim Kardashian Has Learned Restraint," 6 Feb. 2020
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'relax.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for relax
relax
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of relax
: to become or to cause (something) to become less tense, tight, or stiff
: to stop feeling nervous or worried
: to spend time resting or doing something enjoyable especially after you have been doing work
See the full definition for relax in the English Language Learners Dictionary
relax
verbre·lax | \ ri-ˈlaks \
\relaxed; relaxing
Kids Definition of relax
1 : to make or become loose or less tense
Relax your muscles. She relaxed her grip on the reins.
2 : to make or become less severe or strict
Mom relaxed the rules for the summer.
3 : to become calm and free from stress
4 : to seek rest or enjoyment
You can relax at the beach.
relax
transitive verbre·lax | \ ri-ˈlaks \
\Medical Definition of relax
1 : to slacken or make less tense or rigid
alternately contracting and relaxing their muscles
2 : to relieve from nervous tension
3 : to relieve from constipation
medications to relax the bowels
1 of a muscle or muscle fiber : to return to an inactive or resting state especially : to become inactive and lengthen
2 : to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety
couldn't relax in crowds
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Comments on relax
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Time Traveler for relax
The first known use of relax was in the 15th century
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