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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of decompress
Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
According to Herbert, the team is still decompressing from the show’s reception and is only now beginning to reconnect creatively as a unit again.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 23 June 2025
Most, if not all, shelters offer a trial adoption to see if the animal is a good fit, or a short-term foster, which is an opportunity for the animal to decompress away from the shelter for a little while.
—Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 24 May 2025
Macchiato decompressed in a foster home following her rescue, and soon the 9-year-old canine was adopted, according to the non-profit organization.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for decompress
Verb
Long hours, little pay, getting high in his downtime to decompress.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
According to Herbert, the team is still decompressing from the show’s reception and is only now beginning to reconnect creatively as a unit again.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 23 June 2025
Most, if not all, shelters offer a trial adoption to see if the animal is a good fit, or a short-term foster, which is an opportunity for the animal to decompress away from the shelter for a little while.
—Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 24 May 2025
Macchiato decompressed in a foster home following her rescue, and soon the 9-year-old canine was adopted, according to the non-profit organization.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for decompress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompress
Verb
-
With increasingly busy and fragmented lives, and wrapped up in computer and phone screens most of the day, people want a chance to take some time out to relax and connect with friends in a casual environment.—
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Some people smoke marijuana to relax or to relieve tension, depression or even boredom.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Photos from the family vacation show all the kids having fun together, while the adults enjoy some relaxation in the Florida sunshine.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
-
The primary suite is truly a retreat, featuring a steam shower, sauna, and sculptural soaking tub designed for serious relaxation.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Surviving on edge-of-starvation rations, the broken equipment bought them necessary hours of life-saving rest.—
Charles Pellegrino,
Rolling Stone,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Look for office chairs with adjustable features, including an adjustable chair height, neck rest, lumbar support, seat tilt, seat slide and mobile armrests.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decompress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompress. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share