as in relaxation
freedom from activity or labor
the waitstaff gets a welcome period of decompression between the lunch and dinner rushes
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Recent Examples of decompression
Still, there have been bright spots, particularly Sánchez’s emergence from a tough start at Wrigley Field two weeks ago all the better and Zack Wheeler’s solid appearance in his three starts back after thoracic outlet decompression surgery.
—
Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 10 May 2026
Yoga classes teach ways to keep the decompression going at home, and guests can swing away at the adjoining golf course.
—Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026
Cascading system failures would lead to a race against time to seal compartments and preserve breathable air, though decompression would often happen too quickly for the crew to react.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 May 2026
The right-hander returned from thoracic outlet decompression surgery after a blood clot was discovered in his pitching shoulder last season.
—ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Especially for a guy who had a second Tommy John elbow surgery in August 2023, then at the end of a healthy 2025 spring was sidelined by an odd left arm nerve issue that required an August decompression procedure to address.
—Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
The sweetness was palpable and felt like a major decompression from the festival’s momentum.
—Reanna Cruz, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026
The company says the system would be able to perform hemorrhage control, wound repair, chest decompression, shrapnel extraction, and field suturing, stabilizing the patient until evacuation can be carried out.
—Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026
Whether for sleep, study or decompression after a long day, millions of viewers are finding that the gentle patter of rain on a tent is enough.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 10 May 2026
Yoga classes teach ways to keep the decompression going at home, and guests can swing away at the adjoining golf course.
—Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026
Cascading system failures would lead to a race against time to seal compartments and preserve breathable air, though decompression would often happen too quickly for the crew to react.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 May 2026
The right-hander returned from thoracic outlet decompression surgery after a blood clot was discovered in his pitching shoulder last season.
—ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Especially for a guy who had a second Tommy John elbow surgery in August 2023, then at the end of a healthy 2025 spring was sidelined by an odd left arm nerve issue that required an August decompression procedure to address.
—Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
The sweetness was palpable and felt like a major decompression from the festival’s momentum.
—Reanna Cruz, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026
The company says the system would be able to perform hemorrhage control, wound repair, chest decompression, shrapnel extraction, and field suturing, stabilizing the patient until evacuation can be carried out.
—Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026
Whether for sleep, study or decompression after a long day, millions of viewers are finding that the gentle patter of rain on a tent is enough.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompression
Noun
-
Take a cleansing breath in the sauna, steam room, and relaxation lounges stocked with herbal tea and snacks.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
This allows the brain to shift out of constant decision-making mode and into relaxation mode.—
Judy Koutsky,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
The nights grew so chilly that Djena would go to a public rest room and use a hand dryer to warm herself.—
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
The best tropical vacation spots offer an abundance of choice for rest, play, and all the joys in between.—
Skyli Alvarez,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decompression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompression. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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