1
as in resting
to refrain from labor or exertion
I plan to spend the day kicking back and watching television
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hanging (around or out)
to spend time doing nothing
a good resort for people who want to kick back and watch others exercise strenuously
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kicking back
There’s nothing wrong with spending your vacation at the beach, on a shopping spree in Paris or New York, or kicking back at a fishing cabin.
—
Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
And while a little luxury is always welcome, at its heart, Belize’s appeal lies in slowing down, kicking back, and enjoying simple pleasures, cocooned in nature.
—Gemma Price, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025
Expect appearances from local brewers, live music, games and food – plus lots of funnily dressed dogs kicking back after their big show.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
The Daily Dividend Earnings season is kicking back into high gear.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
The Book Club films that allowed audiences one last chance to savor this delightful movie star kicking back and letting her charisma carry a picture.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
In addition to all the driving thrills, Porsche Ice Experience is also about kicking back, enjoying fine dining, fireside conversations, and a genuine sense of camaraderie among fellow Porsche-loving participants and instructors.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
There’s a spa, a hot tub, a pool, and two sauna spaces for kicking back before a night on the town.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2025
Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
And while a little luxury is always welcome, at its heart, Belize’s appeal lies in slowing down, kicking back, and enjoying simple pleasures, cocooned in nature.
—Gemma Price, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025
Expect appearances from local brewers, live music, games and food – plus lots of funnily dressed dogs kicking back after their big show.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
The Daily Dividend Earnings season is kicking back into high gear.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
The Book Club films that allowed audiences one last chance to savor this delightful movie star kicking back and letting her charisma carry a picture.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
In addition to all the driving thrills, Porsche Ice Experience is also about kicking back, enjoying fine dining, fireside conversations, and a genuine sense of camaraderie among fellow Porsche-loving participants and instructors.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
There’s a spa, a hot tub, a pool, and two sauna spaces for kicking back before a night on the town.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicking back
Verb
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In addition to resting, the singer was also told not to drink or smoke.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
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Denver pushed the lead to seven with Porter resting early in the fourth.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Style your living room with new throw pillow covers and blankets, design a relaxing bedroom with natural cotton sheets, set the table with stoneware plates, or make your kitchen even more functional with premium baking dishes and wooden utensils.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
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That must include a lounge set that’s comfy enough for relaxing on the couch but has a polished design that looks put-together when worn out of the house.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But Florida, basking in warmth this weekend with highs that shoot into the 80s, can look to the cold weather in other states as a taste of what’s to come.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
23 Jan. 2026
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But there’s a reason that the Ranch’s Ocean Rooms and Coast Suites are particularly popular, with their private patios outfitted with a basking tub for two (set to your preferred temperature), and of course, expansive views of the ocean and coastline.—
Lauren Sloss,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In 2019, city employees began hanging about 500 trick-or-treat pumpkin buckets in the trees on Main Street every October.—
Elliott Harrell,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Oct. 2025
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Orion Nebula Those viewing from a dark sky location may also notice a blurry patch of light hanging about 5 degrees below Orion's belt.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Near where Cuin and Thiane were kicking around, Berkeley resident Marcelio Ramos banged his drum in preparation for the first draw.—
Mathew Miranda
December 5,
Sacbee.com,
5 Dec. 2025
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In order to reach the mark that sports media watchers have been kicking around since the CBS Thanksgiving Day matchup was announced in May, the audience for the marquee holiday slot would have to be improve on the NFL’s all-time record by a whopping 19%.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
26 Nov. 2025
Verb
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For running errands, working out, or lounging around the house, grab these best-selling joggers that are even backed by dance instructors.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2026
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Mobs of kangaroos and wallabies are easy to spot lounging in open fields during golden hours.—
Laura Kiniry,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Astringent Hachiya persimmons must fully soften at room temperature before eating because chilling too early locks in bitterness.—
Randi Gollin,
Martha Stewart,
11 Jan. 2026
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Adding a splash of ice water and chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in the perfect texture.—
Lizzy Briskin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While Congress currently appears inclined to reject those reductions, most universities are playing it very cautiously with respect to research and graduate education commitments, given the uncertainty that’s likely to continue at the federal level.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Mesidor lacks ideal length and turns 25 in April after playing six college seasons.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kicking back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicking%20back. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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