DECOMPRESSIONS Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

decompress 1 of 2

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tense (up)

decompression

2 of 2

noun

as in relaxation

freedom from activity or labor the waitstaff gets a welcome period of decompression between the lunch and dinner rushes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 decompress

Verb

Rushing to daycare for pickup or taking a few minutes after work to decompress and run errands. —

Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 4 June 2026 The better reason to stay here is to spend three days decompressing. —

Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Noun

Rescue teams explored two chambers Friday but were forced to stop because of decompression risks. —

Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026 Each rescue dive is limited to around three hours due to oxygen and decompression requirements, Shareef said. —

Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for decompress

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompress

relax

Verb

Between matches, fans were able to relax with a somewhat less-marauding version of Haaland, as the 25-year-old put in an appearance on the late-night show FIFA World Cup on Fox After Hours with James Corden.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2026
Their hearts don’t squeeze or relax properly, or their valves on the left side of the heart have problems, causing a backup of blood that raises pressure in the lungs.

— Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 June 2026