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
Tim Chester, AFAR Media, 29 July 2025
This place is so special and oscillates at the same frequency that my brain needs to decompress.
Q: Where did the idea for this film come from?
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2025
After a briefing and gear setup, the first one-hour dive follows the main guideline, with optional deeper exploration afterward — some dives can reach nearly 200 feet (60 meters) and require decompression stops.
—Jennifer Walker, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decompress
Verb
Then decompress with an afternoon of hot and cool outdoor pools and a massage at Refuge Spa or a stroll through the shops at Carmel Valley Village.
—Tim Chester, AFAR Media, 29 July 2025
This place is so special and oscillates at the same frequency that my brain needs to decompress.
Q: Where did the idea for this film come from?
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Noun
Plus, the unboxing and decompression was easy enough for Moon to set it up alone.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2025
After a briefing and gear setup, the first one-hour dive follows the main guideline, with optional deeper exploration afterward — some dives can reach nearly 200 feet (60 meters) and require decompression stops.
—Jennifer Walker, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decompress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompress
Verb
-
Spurs fans can now relax about that issue.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Plus, there’s a front porch and a second-story balcony to relax outdoors and host family and friends.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Fort George Hotel & Spa is a historic gem located in the heart of Belize City, perfect for culturally minded travelers, with proximity to the airport and deluxe treatments at K’in Spa, ideal for post-flight relaxation or Carnival recovery.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
-
After deciding to take his family to a tourist town for some fun in the sun, a minor encounter with local bullies yanks the family into the crosshairs of an unhinged, blood-thirsty crime boss (Sharon Stone), who is determined to derail his relaxation.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As the firstborn son of his generation, Alessio has always understood that the future of the family business would one day rest on his shoulders.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Lindner said the school day is already long enough and that children often come home with hours of additional work that interfere with sports, family time and rest.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decompress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompress. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share