RELAX Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

relax

verb

ri-ˈlaks

Definition of relax

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

tense (up)

as in to loosen

to make less taut relax the rope a bit so I can pick up the slack and tie this knot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Party of Four The Douglas crew looked rested and relaxed while on vacation over the Thanksgiving break back in 2022. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026 Maria Grazia Chiuri freed the body at Fendi, Simone Bellotti relaxed the uniform at Jil Sander and Meryll Rogge embraced generations at Marni. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 What causes snoring in the first place Most snoring comes down to what happens inside the airway once the body relaxes. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026 It’s helped relax the veterans, who, in turn, are showing them how to work and prepare as pros in order to maximize their performance and extend their careers. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax

Verb

Mix in the chocolate chips and chill for at least an hour or overnight.

— Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026
Albareda also stressed that even though some of the attractions are terrifying, HOH doesn’t only include the kids’ zone but also more areas to sit and chill and soak in the ambience.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of chill

Verb

Warsaw now wants the European Union to allow similar suspensions during migration emergencies, as the bloc considers a framework that could loosen standard asylum procedures.

— Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Once a month, remove the filter and soak it in hot, soapy water to loosen and dissolve greasy buildup.

— Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of loosen

Verb

This week, Tinashe navigates the highs and lows of being a pop star, Blondshell basks in the beauty of her life, and Taylor Swift is back for the curtain call with a deluxe offering from The Life of a Showgirl.

— Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
In the days of former coach Billy Napier, Florida made a habit of basking in the wins.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of bask

Verb

Vacations were a way for Diana to unwind and get away from prying eyes.

— Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 26 Sep. 2026
And Hive has space to unwind under the starry night sky or below the ocean’s surface, thanks to an underwater lounge and an observation lounge with a retractable roof.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of unwind

Verb

The judge also heard victim impact statements Wednesday from Cozzi's friends and family, including his parents and husband, who spoke to the pain of not being able to lay him to rest.

— Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Instead of concentrating thousands of visitors into just a few months, wildlife disturbance and trail use are distributed more evenly throughout the year, allowing nature to regenerate and rest more, well, naturally.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of rest

Verb

Fresh off the Carolina Herrera runway, Karlie Kloss had changed into a sleek white and black ensemble and soon found a seat near the back of the restaurant to decompress.

— Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026
During his professional whirlwind the last handful of years, Cregger often decompresses with video games, and the Resident Evil franchise, particularly Resident Evil 4, has been one of his go-tos.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of decompress

Verb

Earlier this month, Miami-Dade began winding down volunteer advisory boards representing Black, Hispanic and LGBTQ residents, as well as the county’s Commission for Women.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Speaking outside the courthouse, flanked by Haley, Sokola and witnesses in the trial, Allred took a moment to address what this means for the #MeToo movement, which some have suggested is winding down.

— Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 23 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relax. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of relax

verb

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