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 To turn your bedroom into a serene oasis conducive to rest and relaxation, the organizer recommends incorporating thoughtful storage solutions that eliminate visual clutter. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 8 Aug. 2026 The 59-year-old actress shared a series of Instagram photos from a tropical getaway in Fiji, offering glimpses of quiet mornings, poolside relaxation and sunset walks along the beach. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The practice, known as hive air therapy, is claimed to promote health, relaxation and general well-being through the use of honeybees. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2026 Stress, caffeine, medications, alcohol, and illness can all increase your heart rate, while relaxation techniques can lower it. — Zoe Cunniffe, HEALTH, 5 Aug. 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
  • All the entries are highly personal, bracingly creative and audaciously inventive recreations of immortal standards familiar throughout the world.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Forty miles west of Minneapolis, Howard Lake mixes water recreation with country living.
    — John Lauritsen, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of recreation
Noun
  • Unfortunately, one extra week of rest is not sufficient to rectify this problem (even assuming — naively — that NYRA kicks the Belmont back a week to accommodate our shift).
    — Stephen J. K. Walters, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The Quality Gap Arcade Is Pointing At The rationale Arcade gives rests on its own measurement.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of rest
Noun
  • Obviously everything else is more fun at this point, dopamine and TikTok and all of that.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Sun and fun, bikes, and baked goods were endlessly documented online, but fashion is serious business in Denmark.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of fun
Noun
  • Summer jobs are often temporary, entry-level and in areas like leisure and hospitality.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But the weakness was concentrated in local government, largely due to school-calendar seasonal effects, and leisure and hospitality as the World Cup boost rolled off.
    — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of leisure
Noun
  • This starts with maintenance and includes brand-new interiors — everything from seats to sidewalls and inflight entertainment — to keep fliers happy.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • His Marina del Rey company LaTerra Development recently completed a 575-unit complex along the 5 Freeway near the Burbank MetroLink station that caters to tenants in the entertainment industry.
    — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • Trusting Kanan, Raq visits Stefano in one part of New York while Kanan visits his late Uncle Marvin’s last resting place in another.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The final resting place of SpaceX's moon-smashing rocket has been found.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of resting
Noun
  • Indeed, some might suggest that asset protection planning is the science or art of separating clients from their assets while still allowing those clients the beneficial use and enjoyment of those assets.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The lawsuit requests damages of $10 million for past and future physical injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
    — Madison Lambert, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of enjoyment
Noun
  • In a television ad for Dunkin’, Kylie Jenner wore a blush-pink, satin, structured blazer with over-the-top shoulder pads, a designer choice that generated some amusement online from those previously unfamiliar with the brand’s name.
    — Beatrice Dupuy, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The press noted with amusement the plight of the court reporter who threw his hands in the air in frustration after trying to transcribe scatting.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Aug. 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on relaxation

Nglish: Translation of relaxation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about relaxation

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