1
as in to unwind
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
she took deep breaths to relax before going on stage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to bask
to refrain from labor or exertion
I just want to kick back and relax after mowing that huge lawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of relax
Winds will continue to be active on Sunday, but as high atmospheric pressure builds in on Monday, winds will relax.
—
Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
This is a fabulous place to relax, take in the views and, most importantly, eat.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Leveleve Balcony Furniture 5-Piece Patio Conversation Set For truly stretching out and relaxing, this five-piece set includes two chairs with extendable footrests for reclining—then the footrest tuck neatly underneath the chairs when not in use.
—Melanie Fincher, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
House File 621 is Republican lawmakers' latest attempt to relax who may bring weapons onto school grounds after similar legislation failed to pass last year.
—Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relax
Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
This is a fabulous place to relax, take in the views and, most importantly, eat.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Leveleve Balcony Furniture 5-Piece Patio Conversation Set For truly stretching out and relaxing, this five-piece set includes two chairs with extendable footrests for reclining—then the footrest tuck neatly underneath the chairs when not in use.
—Melanie Fincher, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
House File 621 is Republican lawmakers' latest attempt to relax who may bring weapons onto school grounds after similar legislation failed to pass last year.
—Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax
Verb
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Despite being a quick walk from downtown Palm Springs, the Historic Tennis Club is snoozy and near-silent—perfect for unwinding after a busy day.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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Guests can unwind with a pool and an oversized hot tub, dedicated fitness and yoga rooms, and two private beaches.—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Use a toothbrush to scrub the inside of the base and around all openings to loosen any mineral buildup.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
25 Feb. 2026
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Since slow cookers work using steady, low heat, the appliance can help loosen buildup, dissolve residue, and refresh small household items more efficiently than soaking in a sink or basin.—
Katie Cloyd,
Martha Stewart,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The chamber erupted in applause as the semi-toothed heroes who beat Canada in Milan basked in the adulation of the United States Congress.—
Aidan McLaughlin,
Vanity Fair,
25 Feb. 2026
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Just basking along with Team USA wasn’t enough.—
Tom Nichols,
The Atlantic,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Flags for Canada and third-place Finland rested below Old Glory on either side.—
Chris Kudialis,
Miami Herald,
23 Feb. 2026
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They were all laid to rest in a wooden coffin, which was a valuable material in this society.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But when the season ended and Flaherty finally had a chance to decompress, some of the frustration turned to grace.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
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Sensory sensitive kids might need comfortable spaces to decompress or personal hygiene products that are entirely unscented.—
Sara Rowe Mount,
Parents,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, the head of the vaccines arm, Vinay Prasad, has made unilateral policy changes that could limit access to certain shots, while also chilling investment in the sector.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Mercury News,
21 Feb. 2026
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Serve immediately or chill it for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Do nothing, chill out, eat some pasta.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2026
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Finding ways to chill out can really help.—
Care Resource,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And as his governorship winds down, the state’s Democratic Party seems to be moving leftward.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
21 Feb. 2026
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Survivor 50 Challenge Like the Road to 50 marathon, the Survivor 50 Challenge is winding down.—
Christopher Kuhagen,
jsonline.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relax. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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