relaxation

noun

ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce relaxation (audio)
Definition of relaxationnext
1
as in recreation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself what do people in this jerkwater town do for relaxation?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rest
freedom from activity or labor meditating in a state of total relaxation

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 relaxation The Girls Getaway, tickets for which sold out in a matter of hours, brought fans of the show together for two days of rest, relaxation and community. — Alex Ross, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2026 Key ingredients include togetherness, relaxation, indulgence, presence and comfort. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026 The 17-year-old is relaxation personified, holding an air of confidence usually limited to veteran athletes who have been there and done it all. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 And at Awana Spa, a holistic approach to wellness offers sensory treatments designed to promote relaxation and renewal. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relaxation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxation
  1. recreation
  2. rest
  3. fun
  4. leisure
  5. entertainment
  6. resting
  7. enjoyment
  8. amusement
Noun
  • Dubai wants to be a ‘20-minute city,’ where every resident can reach work, shops, and recreation within a short cycle or walk.
    — Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The parks and recreation department used the building from the mid-1990s until 2002, when the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin opened.
    — Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of recreation
Noun
  • At the Pearlstone center in Reisterstown, Maryland, the farmers replaced their usual rows of vegetables with cover crops that would enrich the soil during its year of rest.
    — Adrienne Krone, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Milder cases require intake of fluids with bicarbonate, getting out of extreme heat, and rest, according to the CDC.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of rest
Noun
  • For another fun twist on ice-queen glam, take a cue from Zara Larsson and pile on the shimmery silver-white shadow accented with rhinestones in lieu of snowflakes, or perhaps a fresh platinum blonde hair color à la Serena Williams.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026
  • But even the hardest-to-please folks are usually thrilled with a techy gift that makes their life easier, more convenient or just more fun.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of fun
Noun
  • The surprise, perhaps, is that even after paying high prices for essential expenses like groceries and gas, people are still willing to spend on leisure.
    — Renée Onque, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Members of the reading class have been worried about the decline of other people reading in their leisure time since at least the advent of television.
    — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of leisure
Noun
  • The two tied the knot in July 2010 in a New York ceremony with hundreds of guests, among them sports and entertainment stars including LeBron James, Spike Lee, Serena Williams, Ciara, Kim Kardashian and Ludacris, The Times reported.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The entertainer, 67, was a guest on The Drew Barrymore show recently, and spoke to guest host Valerie Bertinelli about his early days in entertainment.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • La Recoleta Cemetery is the final resting place for dozens of Argentine presidents, as well as Nobel laureates and cultural figures.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Keep your dog’s favorite resting spot odor-free with these simple washing tips.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of resting
Noun
  • In a Harris Poll survey published Wednesday, 65% of American adults reported spending $100 or more on playful activities or products — such as craft kits or action figures — for personal enjoyment between June 2025 and June 2026.
    — Renée Onque, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • My enjoyment now came from sitting back and watching her shine.
    — Diana Daniele, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of enjoyment
Noun
  • Of the Daise stick-on, Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman says her amusement with the accessory was short-lived.
    — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 20 Oct. 2026
  • In IconArrows pointing outwards For an extra admission fee, the farm also offers amusement rides and carnival games.
    — Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of amusement

Browse Nearby Words

relaxant
relaxation
relaxed
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Cite this Entry

“Relaxation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relaxation. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on relaxation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about relaxation

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