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
Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
There, the Kinzounzas finally started to decompress.
—Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Oct. 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
Most importantly, Cancer, make time to decompress by watching a seasonal rom-com to elevate your spirit.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
There, the Kinzounzas finally started to decompress.
—Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Oct. 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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Acidic and fizzy drinks can increase pressure in the stomach and cause the muscle at the top of the stomach to relax, allowing acid to come back up.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
9 Nov. 2025
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Good food and drink plus a chance to relax will please you.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Researchers suggested that future studies should include people who actually experience tingles to better understand how ASMR might help with mental health and relaxation.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
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They’re marketed as a natural way to reduce inflammation, ease muscle pain, and promote relaxation or sleep post-workout.—
Ali Nolan,
Outside,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The Momcozy Dreamlign Pregnancy Pillow supports positioning so the Ergonest Belly Band isn’t carrying the entire load during rest.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
11 Nov. 2025
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The Cavaliers will be far from full strength for Wednesday’s game against the Heat, ruling out Darius Garland (toe injury management), Donovan Mitchell (rest), Mobley (rest), Max Strus (left foot surgery) and Jaylon Tyson (concussion).—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decompress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompress. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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