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

During his professional whirlwind the last handful of years, Cregger often decompresses with video games, and the Resident Evil franchise, particularly Resident Evil 4, has been one of his go-tos. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

Translation, these spaces are for meeting people, not just decompressing after work. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026

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