as in relaxing
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
he watches classic movie comedies as a way to de-stress
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Recent Examples of de-stressing
Progressive muscle relaxation helps with de-stressing by tapping into your mind-body connection.
—
Stefanie Groner, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2026
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
Stefanie Groner, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-stressing
relaxing
Verb
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These collectible, blocky character builds hit the sweet spot between relaxing and rewarding, offering just enough of a challenge for a cozy night in and a display-ready payoff when you’re done.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Feb. 2026
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Add a Spa Treatment Having a massage or relaxing in an herbal cocoon at The Spa is the perfect complement to soaking in the tepid springs.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-stressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-stressing. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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