relax

verb

ri-ˈlaks How to pronounce relax (audio)
Definition of relaxnext
1
as in to unwind
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety she took deep breaths to relax before going on stage

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to loosen
to make less taut relax the rope a bit so I can pick up the slack and tie this knot

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to bask
to refrain from labor or exertion I just want to kick back and relax after mowing that huge lawn

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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 relax This year, Oura, one of the tournament’s sponsors, set up a recovery station near Court 5 with thermal imaging to test body temperature and cooling stations to relax between points. — Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026 Room to relax The spacious accommodations at South Seas make Golden Season somehow even more relaxing. — South Seas Island Resort, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 With other restrictions on political freedom relaxed, the DP quickly positioned itself as the CHP’s main rival. — Nick Taborall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026 Pearce is by turns low-key hilarious and intimidating as the unerringly sure-of-himself businessman, peppering his conversation with colorful Australianisms and profanity while never relaxing his laser focus. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax
  1. chill
  2. loosen
  3. bask
  4. unwind
  5. rest
  6. decompress
  7. wind down
  8. chill out
Verb
  • This clearly sounds like a blazing hot take that will chill soon and embarrass often.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • During my kid’s preschool days, any leftover food came home still slightly chilled.
    — Melissa Knific, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of chill
Verb
  • Three Rivers Therapies recommends stretches like arch and flatten, knee drops (also called windshield wipers) and pelvic circles to loosen the hips, lower back and middle back.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Putting one more small-to-midsize option into the mix would, during the busier seasons, loosen the logjam.
    — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of loosen
Verb
  • The most basic building block is warmer water temperatures, which peak in September after basking in summer’s heat, and provide fuel for storms to form and strengthen.
    — Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Running until mid-October, the ride is an excellent way to bask in New England’s autumnal glory and drops passengers off right at the resort’s Cliff House Restaurant for a scenic meal.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of bask
Verb
  • Caitlyn said that the theater has given North Texans a place to relax, unwind, and find community.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Given the grimy, gory nature of writer-director Paul Greengrass’ historical film, Garfield had to rely on his go-to ways to unwind.
    — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of unwind
Verb
  • McGowan remembers one visit when Pearl gently rested her head in a woman’s lap at a senior facility and kept returning to her throughout the visit.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • But as Bengals fans know all too well, this season rests on whether Burrow can stay healthy.
    — Takashi Williams, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of rest
Verb
  • Translation, these spaces are for meeting people, not just decompressing after work.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Repeatedly analyzing old conversations or unresolved issues isn’t getting you anywhere, so consider this an opportunity to take a step back and allow your mind to decompress.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of decompress
Verb
  • The former finance worker wrapped up his own aerospace career back in 2017, winding down from a three-decade career of crunching financial figures.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Outdoor deals With summer winding down, score deals on patio furniture, smart birdfeeders and other outdoor gear.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of wind down
Verb
  • Prepare to cut the cord and just chill out in the company of other adults masquerading as big kids for a couple of days.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Bavik keeps things classic, brewing with 100% malt and aroma hops, then letting the beer chill out for an extended cold maturation.
    — Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of chill out

Browse Nearby Words

relaunching
relax
relaxant
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Cite this Entry

“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relax. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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