DE-STRESS Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

de-stress

verb

ˈdē-ˈstres

Definition of de-stress next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tense (up)

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of de-stress This includes beauty and barber shops, gym and fitness studios, health and beauty spas and massage parlors — perfect for de-stressing after the holidays. —

Ryley Amond, CNBC, 1 Jan. 2026 Between holiday gift shopping, party planning, and traveling, everyone could use a little de-stressing this time of the year. —

Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025 The dogs visit children in schools and libraries, college students on de-stress days and people living in memory care, retirement, assisted living and health care facilities. —

Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2025 Coloring books are a great way to de-stress for children and adults alike. —

Jessica Comstock, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for de-stress

Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-stress

relax

Verb

South Africa’s anti-trust regulator is holding private talks with the telecoms industry about relaxing competition rules, signaling that regulators in Africa’s biggest economy may be willing to make changes that could unleash a wave of mergers and acquisitions in the sector.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Longhorn fans can relax for now as Texas defeated BYU 79-71.

— Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026