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 When the leaves start to turn, though, the town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026 Ordering a drink can mark the start of a night out, signal relaxation or ease self-consciousness around other people. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026 Any relaxation that occurs during wear is restored after laundering, ensuring consistent performance and appearance throughout the life of the garment. — Catherine Salfino, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026 Mail and Paper Piles Leaving mail and stacks of paper on coffee tables, console tables, and end tables is distracting and causes a conflict between relaxation and productive tasks, which Lee notes are two things that don't go together. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 23 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
  • Her 7 year old and 5 year old are enrolled in a recreation league for football and cheerleading, but the $398 cost is putting a strain on the family's finances, Patterson said.
    — Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Once officers connected the missing girl with the dog that had been found near the recreation center, a massive law enforcement search began.
    — Yana Johnson, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of recreation
Noun
  • Back at the hotel, the calming interiors encourage proper rest and relaxation.
    — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In 2019, officials introduced a state-of-the-art recovery room under Arthur Ashe Stadium where players can go during their breaks for treatments and rest.
    — Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of rest
Noun
  • And while the giant disco balls might not be for everyone, Musgraves seems to be having plenty of fun with them.
    — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The all-day menu at Hurly-Burly is filled with light bites, plus an array of fun drinks for kids and adults.
    — Megan duBois, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of fun
Noun
  • One of the month’s biggest job generators was the leisure and hospitality sector, which added 62,000 jobs, after having posted job losses of 21,000 and 54,000 in July and June, respectively.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Women gained around 68,000 jobs in leisure and hospitality, even as the whole sector added only 62,000, meaning men lost 6,000 jobs in the sector.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of leisure
Noun
  • Until now, backlash has been Hollywood’s default stance on AI, as the industry slumped under pressure from entertainment streaming services and soaring production costs.
    — Jake Angelo, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The scenery is beautiful, though the onboard entertainment leans into classic all-inclusive territory, complete with a digital saxophone performance, audience participation, and the inevitable Macarena throw down.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • The motorcycle overturned and the rider and motorcycle tumbled to a final resting position, where both caught fire, police said.
    — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The children also visited Althorp, the childhood home and final resting place of Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana.
    — Ashley Hume , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of resting
Noun
  • That enjoyment would also help pay for the barn’s preservation.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In psychoanalytic terms, it would be called Angstlust—the enjoyment of fear.
    — Caitlín Doherty, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of enjoyment
Noun
  • Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, a legendary figure in the game and not known to smile often, was among the staff drafted in to help dress Arrow for the occasion — much to Arrow’s own amusement.
    — Michael Bailey, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In stories centered on objects ranging from a button to a tin soldier, young authors recognize the it-narrative’s potential not only for amusement but for showcasing the power of the small and marginal.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 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 8 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on relaxation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about relaxation

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