kicking back

verb

present participle of kick back
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

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 kicking back Vikings right tackle Brian O'Neill and left guard Donovan Jackson immediately turned toward the sideline to motion for the medical team, with Murray lying on his side and his legs kicking back and forth. — ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026 Downstairs, a dedicated lounge features a multi-screen entertainment setup, creating the perfect spot for game days, movie nights or simply kicking back with family and friends. — Doris Alvarez Cea, Florida Times-Union, 17 Aug. 2026 And don’t forget to grab a few pieces for simply kicking back and relaxing. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026 Before the fire, patrons were kicking back cold ones about a block from Down the Hatch. — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2026 But instead of kicking back, Nadal’s been busy building a hotel empire. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 7 July 2026 Maybe that means kicking back by the pool with a refreshing summer drink in hand or treating yourself to a creative spin on a classic hot dog from one of these five Atlanta spots. — Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 4 July 2026 Here’s an outdoor lounge chair that naturally supports kicking back with a matching ottoman. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026 There’s something about just kicking back at home, watching the matches with loved ones, and pulling out some games that center on sports. — Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 10 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicking back
  1. resting
  2. hanging about
  3. relaxing
  4. kicking around
  5. basking
  6. lounging
  7. idling
Verb
  • The brand notes that this pillow is perfect for all sorts of sleepers, including those who like resting on their back, side, and stomach.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
  • That first reactor is already resting at a shipyard, ready for installation into the ship’s hull.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of resting
Verb
  • President James Garfield’s assassin, Charles Guiteau, died by hanging about five months after he was convicted of murder.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 17 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of hanging about
Verb
  • If location isn’t all-important to you, you’ll still be taken in by the property’s palatial restaurant, secret garden above the bustling street, and relaxing pool—undoubtedly one of the longest in Lisbon.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than relaxing on his lead, Becerra should be constantly moving around the state, introducing himself to Californians and — more importantly — listening to their problems and ideas.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of relaxing
Verb
  • Jac Schaeffer, that show's creator, was scheduled to helm this follow-up as well before bowing out of the Marvel machine, and VisionQuest has been kicking around in development for a bit.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
  • If there had been a Season 2, Uziel was already kicking around some ideas.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of kicking around
Verb
  • In the days of former coach Billy Napier, Florida made a habit of basking in the wins.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Some employees, artists, and ex-girlfriends compare gaining his praise and attention to basking in the warmth of the sun itself.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of basking
Verb
  • Above that, the expansive upper deck offers lounging areas, sunbeds, a bar, and a Jacuzzi.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2026
  • If lounging by the water gets old, the resort runs a wide range of complimentary activities, from yoga sessions to an aloe scrub–making class.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of lounging
Verb
  • Diesel engine idling and high-risk industrial activity across the street from homes and parks would bring air, noise and light pollution.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
  • And Rovell quickly discovered Kobe’s mind was incapable of idling, even during dead-of-night text exchanges.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of idling

Browse Nearby Words

kicking around
kicking back
kicking butt
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kicking back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicking%20back. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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