Synonyms of decompress

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

• 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)

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

• relaxation
• rest
• resting
• leisure
• ease
• silence
• restfulness
• sleep
• napping
• slumber
• repose
• slumbering
• quiet
• dozing
• respite
• catnapping
• snoozing
• calm
• serenity
• stillness
• peacefulness
• peace
• lazing
• tranquilness
• tranquility
• sereneness
• placidity
• idleness
• dolce far niente

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• work
• labor
• pressure
• stress
• exertion
• tension
• toil
• strain
• tenseness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of decompress

Verb

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

Noun

Severe cases or those not improved after four to six months of conservative therapy are typically offered surgical decompression, which can be done using endoscopic or open techniques. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026

Conventional scuba divers are constrained by strict depth and decompression limits, so a significant portion of every dive is spent descending, ascending, and waiting to return safely to the surface. — New Atlas, 18 July 2026