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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decompress
Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
With this extra tension comes a feeling of extra weight, so give yourself more space than usual to rest and decompress.
—Marie Bladt, Vogue, 20 Dec. 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
See All Example Sentences for decompress
Verb
The unit offers confidential counseling, requires annual wellness checks and provides officers a space to decompress after traumatic calls.
—Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
With this extra tension comes a feeling of extra weight, so give yourself more space than usual to rest and decompress.
—Marie Bladt, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2025
Noun
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
See All Example Sentences for decompress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompress
Verb
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The post included snaps of her posing on travels, relaxing on a beach and in a gym during her pregnancy.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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The new law relaxed aspects of the 2017 framework, removing much of municipalities’ ability to regulate AVs within city or county limits.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.—
Laura Dorwart,
Verywell Health,
7 Jan. 2026
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According to Amex, what unites these destinations is a desire for meaningful travel—whether through first-time adventures, cultural immersion, or settings that balance relaxation with a strong sense of place.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Plant dormancy is a type of physiological rest.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
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On Thursday, tight end Hunter Henry (rest), right tackle (Morgan Moses (illness) and linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle) were all upgraded to full participation.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decompress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompress. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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