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 That raises the possibility of patchy frost, particularly in sheltered valleys and locations where winds relax overnight. — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 After exploring or relaxing by the pool, head to the freestanding infrared sauna with optional salt halotherapy. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026 The idea is this would make for a great spot to relax and take in the great outdoors through the Multiplay's expansive windows and a panoramic roof. — New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026 Despite these uncertainties, many women continue to relax their hair, but Belmo emphasizes an empathetic, practical harm-reduction approach. — Ata-Owaji Victor, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax

Verb

But Beth Wilkinson, who represented the network at last week’s hearing, warned that such a delay has the effect of chilling the network’s speech.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Employing a dual timeline, Florida author Jennifer McMahon tells a bone-chilling tale about the local knackerman, a person who disposes of dead or dying farm animals, in remote Boone’s Ferry, Vermont.

— Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of chill

Verb

The San Francisco 49ers were still basking in the glow of an exhilarating road win against division rival Seattle that extended their perfect start to the season when Christian McCaffrey offered a word of caution.

— CBS News, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
These new or renovated getaways offer opportunities to bask in the season’s pastoral and cultural delights in comfort.

— Stephanie Rosenbloom, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of bask

Verb

But regulatory reform alone will not unwind the private-market shift.

— Jeff Jacobs, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Attendees took breaks to unwind with premium wellness experiences that included massages from Sonar Mobile Spa, ear seeding from Solstice and red light therapy from Luma Dose.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of unwind

Verb

They were laid to rest at Ho Chi Minh City Martyrs’ Cemetery in the city previously known as Saigon.

— Aniruddha Ghosal, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
However, with each Champions League victory crucial to progressing toward the next round, neither would want to rest their big guns, either.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of rest

Verb

The night before the show was spent at a refit, getting her hair done, and then decompressing with friends over drinks before, inevitably, running back to the Eiffel Tower.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026
The content creator and comedian has been living in New York for the summer, shooting his biggest movie role to date, and riding his bike through the city is his favorite way to decompress.

— Lucy Feldman, Time, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of decompress

Verb

Zendaya has joined a new project as her memorable year winds down.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
On the other hand, an agent trained on company context can see the decline, and tell whether this is because the company is deliberately winding down specific segments of the business.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of wind down

Verb

The Moroccan pattern brings visual interest, while the soft surface gives bare feet a comfortable landing and takes the chill out of hardwood or tile floors.

— Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of chill out

Browse Nearby Words

relaunching

relax

relaxant

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Style

“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relax. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of relax

verb

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