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
Found in translation In a way, human language acts as a compression and decompression scheme—the listener must decompress the meaning of words in the same way the speaker intended when encoding the message for them to be properly understood.
—
ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2025
Plus, the unboxing and decompression was easy enough for Moon to set it up alone.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2025
After a briefing and gear setup, the first one-hour dive follows the main guideline, with optional deeper exploration afterward — some dives can reach nearly 200 feet (60 meters) and require decompression stops.
—Jennifer Walker, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2025
You were hospitalized twice for surgery or decompression (a procedure to relieve pressure from blockages).
—Health, 15 Aug. 2025
ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2025
Plus, the unboxing and decompression was easy enough for Moon to set it up alone.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2025
After a briefing and gear setup, the first one-hour dive follows the main guideline, with optional deeper exploration afterward — some dives can reach nearly 200 feet (60 meters) and require decompression stops.
—Jennifer Walker, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2025
You were hospitalized twice for surgery or decompression (a procedure to relieve pressure from blockages).
—Health, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompression
Noun
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Pagosa Springs Looking for a destination that combines mountain adventures and deep relaxation?—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Oct. 2025
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In a living room, a large tapestry can create a striking focal point, while a bedroom may benefit from softer, muted pieces that complement bedding and promote relaxation.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Getting enough rest supports your teen’s immune system, mood, and focus, making sleep a true priority for their health and well-being.—
Kris Ann Valdez,
Parents,
22 Oct. 2025
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Citing popular demand for its regular sandwich menu, Mudgie’s will give its brunch menu on Sunday a rest and instead will offer its full menu.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decompression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompression. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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