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 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
Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicking back
Verb
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It is said the bees gathered at the cemetery, resting on the tent over the grave and on the floral displays, returning to their hives after the service concluded.—
Elizabeth Bass Parman,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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Thomas dove in and swam with Malibu, popping up simultaneously from the water and resting their extremities — his arms, her fins — on the edge of the pool.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Despite its size, though, the town packs a big punch with things to do and explore, and is an ideal spot for a relaxing mountain weekend away from it all.—
Elliott Harrell,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
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Researchers have found that curcumin—the primary compound found in turmeric—has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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And in recent years, Venice has offered its share of memorable red-carpet looks (think Lady Gaga and her haute couture headpiece) and viral moments that draw the attention of the world (a teary Brendan Fraser basking in a standing ovation).—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
3 Sep. 2025
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Now, Ragweed is intent on making the reunion permanent, and Folk sees a Stillwater return as the catalyst for that — as well as a chance to continue basking in the band’s 2025 homecoming.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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None is more important than what’s been kicking around for at least six decades, a project to bolster California’s north-to-south shipments of water by bypassing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Expect wide terraces for lounging, a summer kitchen for long dinners under the stars, a pool that sits just steps from the bay, and a private dock and boat lift.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
5 Sep. 2025
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Most are more interested in diving than lounging at five-star resorts.—
Joe Sills,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Ready to dive into the bone-chilling world of The Conjuring?—
Keith Langston,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
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Armed with her signature razor-sharp wit and deadpan charm, Wednesday is also plunged into a new bone-chilling supernatural mystery.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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On the runway, planes sat with engines idling, ground crews making final preparations as if departures could come at any moment — all as the courtroom battle played out hundreds of miles away in Washington.—
Valerie Gonzalez,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Aug. 2025
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There are multiple scenes of him as a younger man walking briskly on city streets, briefcase tucked under an arm – purposeful, directed, not idling or taking in the ambiance around him.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
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The Chiefs also were playing without rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals, who is recovering from an injury.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kicking back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicking%20back. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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