1
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
2
3
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
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Recent Examples of relax
Come to relax and grab a quick, albeit high-end bite, while shopping.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
Don’t be afraid to suggest budget caps for group plans, because everyone relaxes when guidelines are simple and visible.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Every element was arranged to celebrate that waterfront view, providing a natural backdrop for gathering, dining, and relaxing.
—Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
In 2021, Raleigh, North Carolina, responded to a wave of new residents by relaxing its zoning laws for multifamily housing.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relax
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
Don’t be afraid to suggest budget caps for group plans, because everyone relaxes when guidelines are simple and visible.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Every element was arranged to celebrate that waterfront view, providing a natural backdrop for gathering, dining, and relaxing.
—Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
In 2021, Raleigh, North Carolina, responded to a wave of new residents by relaxing its zoning laws for multifamily housing.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax
Verb
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Despite morale-sapping staff layoffs, bizarre executive orders and a 43-day federal government shutdown last fall, the grandeur and serenity of national parks in California remain irresistible to outdoors lovers looking to unwind.—
Jack Dolan,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
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Four shaded porches provide plenty of room to unwind on a swing, hammock, or rocking chair.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Shingles may crack or loosen, ice can harm flashing, and gutters can sag under frozen debris.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
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There have been no similar moves to loosen data sovereignty rules elsewhere in the Gulf.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, some people are just basking in the meme moment.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
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Best Hotels & Restaurants La Valise Tulum Fall asleep under the stars at La Valise Tulum, known for its breathtaking second-floor master suite with a king-sized bed that rolls out onto the terrace, allowing guests to bask under the Milky Way.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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His work centers on structure, balance, and durability, helping ensure that treatment plans rest on sound clinical principles.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
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However, part of the DOJ’s case rested on the bundling of sports and concert tickets, as well as the alleged requirement that primary ticket sellers for major concert venues provide support for the distribution of a team’s season tickets.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Supporters said the practice would give students time to decompress and set themselves up to learn.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Mar. 2026
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The park offers a quiet spot to decompress before the excitement of a match or after an intense game.—
Taylor Haught,
Miami Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Senior Homes Editor Betsy Watson's grandmother always had a batch of this cool and refreshing salad chilling in the fridge for guests.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
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The lawsuit, whose defendants include the Department of Homeland Security, argues that federal officers' use of such munitions is a retaliation against protesters that chills their First Amendment rights.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Do nothing, chill out, eat some pasta.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2026
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Finding ways to chill out can really help.—
Care Resource,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As the second quarter wound down, Tatum began to find his stroke.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
15 Mar. 2026
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By the time snow winds down on Monday, a widespread swath of 3 to 6 inches of snow will be likely from Montana to the northern fringes of Upstate New York.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relax. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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