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
Key Takeaways Meditating for 10 to 15 minutes a day can help lower blood pressure by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and relaxing blood vessels.
—
Sukhman Rekhi, Verywell Health, 21 May 2026
In the years after the schedule was relaxed, three more instances were discovered before the crash.
—ABC News, 20 May 2026
At long last, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater can relax and look toward new horizons.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
The family at home The Presleys relax in Graceland’s pool area, circa 1970.
—Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for relax
Sukhman Rekhi, Verywell Health, 21 May 2026
In the years after the schedule was relaxed, three more instances were discovered before the crash.
—ABC News, 20 May 2026
At long last, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater can relax and look toward new horizons.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
The family at home The Presleys relax in Graceland’s pool area, circa 1970.
—Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for relax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax
Verb
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From Marciana Alta, ride the cable car to Monte Capanne for views as far as Corsica, then unwind with gelato in Portoferraio, Marciana Marina, or Capoliveri.—
Nicky Swallow,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
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Even though the major indices recovered mostly by the close, the intraday damage in semis, small caps, and long-duration growth stocks was a reminder of how quickly a narrow, crowded market can unwind when investors head for the exit.—
Tony Zhang,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
Verb
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In another gun rights case, the justices may loosen a federal law aimed at keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous or irresponsible people.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
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Organizations set the outer policies; individual employees can tighten but never loosen them.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
20 May 2026
Verb
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Days are spent basking on the hotel's private plage, going for a swim when the mood suits.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
18 May 2026
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On its lip, a small snail is not only basking in the poison but converting it into a shell that is part iron.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Internationally, however, the film’s distribution prospects rest largely on Cotillard, also burdened with the heaviest dramatic lifting to do as the stricken, unworldly protagonist who bridges the film’s two improbably connected realms.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
18 May 2026
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The good news is the Knicks making quick work of the Sixers granted a lot of time for Anunoby and the Knicks to rest.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
Verb
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To decompress in the evening after work, flick on an amber lamp (amber bulbs are available at the hardware store).—
Petra Guglielmetti,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 May 2026
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The term refers to employees retreating to office restrooms—not just for bathroom use but to decompress, cry, scroll their phones, calm down or escape workplace pressure for a few minutes.—
ByBryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Verb
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Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and chill at least 45 minutes and up to 12 hours.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
17 May 2026
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The spiral of menace is breathtaking as Gary continues to dig them in deeper with his misplaced confidence and reckless moves, and a bone-chilling warning left in the dead of night forces Irwin to bring Hester up to date.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Common skin changes in the cooler months Sure, the heat has chilled out, literally and figuratively, but cold, dry weather can be just as stressful for your skin.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
14 May 2026
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Lindsay is telling him to calm down, take a deep breath, and chill out.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
Verb
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After the premiere ovation wound down, the filmmaker shared some more remarks.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
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The show is designed to teach life skills through music, from trying new veggies to winding down for bed, with songs and content that have become a go-to resource for millions of parents looking to learn and bond with their children.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relax. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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