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

Sometimes the best way to decompress after a long day is to plop onto the couch, turn on your favorite TV show, and let the bright screen gently lull you into a beautiful, drooly sleep. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 July 2026

Desirable aromatherapy scents include lavender that can help decompress, marjoram that targets the nervous system and neroli for reducing stress. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026

Noun

Stacking up tiny, happy upgrades to your living room sanctuary makes this decompression routine a million times better. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 July 2026

Wheeler’s return from thoracic outlet decompression surgery has been crucial. — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 7 July 2026