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
Jenna Ryu, SELF, 20 Jan. 2026
The blend of flower extracts, among them jasmine, orchid, lavender, and blue lotus, lend the bath a floral fragrance—ideal for decompressing after a long day.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 19 Jan. 2026
Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
Having decompression hobbies has been really good for me as well.
—Glamour, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decompress
Verb
Plan time to decompress after family interactions.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 20 Jan. 2026
The blend of flower extracts, among them jasmine, orchid, lavender, and blue lotus, lend the bath a floral fragrance—ideal for decompressing after a long day.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 19 Jan. 2026
Noun
After any transitional moment in life, a decompression period of about 90 to 180 days can be essential.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
Having decompression hobbies has been really good for me as well.
—Glamour, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decompress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompress
Verb
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Long-haul travelers can opt for a head and shoulder reliever or a fragrant, relaxing bath infused with indigenous flowers.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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Advertisement The ruling also relaxes limits on a number of other pollutants released by burning coal, such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and nickel.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There’s a game room with a wet bar, a pool for relaxation and a two-bedroom guest house for multigenerational living.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
22 Feb. 2026
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The key to achieving hotel-level relaxation is wearing unrestrictive sleepwear—which the LyreBird Silky Oversized Pajama Shirt delivers effortlessly.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Once the last flower drops off, the plant needs rest to recover its strength, and during that time, the leaf segments may look thin, dull, and saggy.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Feb. 2026
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But keep in mind the team will likely search for ways to build in extra rest for their five starters.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decompress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompress. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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