1
as in to unwind
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
she took deep breaths to relax before going on stage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to bask
to refrain from labor or exertion
I just want to kick back and relax after mowing that huge lawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of relax
Once upon a time, selfies with members of the royal family used to be frowned upon—but that rule has relaxed as royals modernize with the times and technology.
—
Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
It's designed to release pheromones to help your dog relax.
—Jessica Moore, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
The service Staff are friendly, helpful, and refreshingly relaxed, helping with bespoke activities upon request—from curating art tours to sake tastings as well as securing reservations at Niseko’s famed restaurants.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
Pieces that feel natural in both urban and coastal settings, formal enough to feel refined, relaxed enough to be worn everyday.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relax
Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
It's designed to release pheromones to help your dog relax.
—Jessica Moore, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
The service Staff are friendly, helpful, and refreshingly relaxed, helping with bespoke activities upon request—from curating art tours to sake tastings as well as securing reservations at Niseko’s famed restaurants.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
Pieces that feel natural in both urban and coastal settings, formal enough to feel refined, relaxed enough to be worn everyday.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax
Verb
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On the last Friday of each month from March through October, the Columbia Street Block Party is a chance for neighbors to unwind with classic cars, art, and food.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Courts have historically been more open to stopping a deal rather than unwinding one.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Use a toothbrush to scrub the inside of the base and around all openings to loosen any mineral buildup.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
25 Feb. 2026
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Since slow cookers work using steady, low heat, the appliance can help loosen buildup, dissolve residue, and refresh small household items more efficiently than soaking in a sink or basin.—
Katie Cloyd,
Martha Stewart,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The chamber erupted in applause as the semi-toothed heroes who beat Canada in Milan basked in the adulation of the United States Congress.—
Aidan McLaughlin,
Vanity Fair,
25 Feb. 2026
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Just basking along with Team USA wasn’t enough.—
Tom Nichols,
The Atlantic,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Flags for Canada and third-place Finland rested below Old Glory on either side.—
Chris Kudialis,
Miami Herald,
23 Feb. 2026
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They were all laid to rest in a wooden coffin, which was a valuable material in this society.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But when the season ended and Flaherty finally had a chance to decompress, some of the frustration turned to grace.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
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Sensory sensitive kids might need comfortable spaces to decompress or personal hygiene products that are entirely unscented.—
Sara Rowe Mount,
Parents,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The result is that the only outlets chilled by equal-time concerns are the very ones already losing audience share.—
Jay Caruso,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
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Journalists worry that such funding could complicate or even chill CNN’s coverage of the region.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Do nothing, chill out, eat some pasta.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Finding ways to chill out can really help.—
Care Resource,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Nets, who dropped their sixth straight Thursday to fall to 15-43, are searching for answers as the season winds down.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
27 Feb. 2026
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That’s the highest year-over-year inflation rate for that category in more than two years (when goods were winding down from the pandemic-era inflationary burst).—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relax. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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