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
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
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Recent Examples of decompress
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
The other day, to decompress, Emmel took a lawn chair out to a park, cracked open a 6-pack and watched some local kids play baseball.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026
An ambient lounge and mingling decompression follows the show.
—Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decompress
Verb
Providing a comfortable hiding space gives cats a place to decompress and feel secure.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
The other day, to decompress, Emmel took a lawn chair out to a park, cracked open a 6-pack and watched some local kids play baseball.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
Was the decompression time after work different for this type of project?
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026
An ambient lounge and mingling decompression follows the show.
—Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decompress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompress
Verb
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Meditation exercises can set the stage for a good night’s sleep, and an inexpensive noise machine can help with relaxing sounds.—
Sharon Basaraba,
Verywell Health,
3 Apr. 2026
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Following the ride, we were treated to a charcuterie spread, champagne and a campfire to unwind and relax after our outing on the trails.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Others may have felt a greater need for rest, reflection and relaxation.—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
5 Apr. 2026
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Where solid wood beds or towering wingback frames can indicate dominance and declare their architectural importance in the bedroom, a slipcovered and low-profile bed invites rest and relaxation.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Bold plans shine when rest gets equal respect.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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Over the last few years, the Mets have maneuvered the rotation to be able to give him an extra day of rest between each start.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decompress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompress. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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