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 Have dinner on-property at either Nicco’s or Mijo, then relax in front of the best view in town—the mountains—from your bathtub. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026 The new model maintains Airstream’s convertible front dinette to create a flexible space for dining, relaxing, or even sleeping for an extra single traveler. — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 Gather around the smokeless fire pit for s’mores and storytelling, relax in a private hot tub or sauna, or take a dip in the cold-plunge pool. — Tree Meinch, Midwest Living, 11 July 2026 The coordinating tee keeps the look relaxed enough for daytime, but a few accessories and a great pair of sandals can easily take it into the evening. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for relax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax

Verb

Store it in your hotel minibar fridge to chill for maximum effect.

— Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 19 July 2026
The final additions of cheddar, nutmeg, and red pepper round out the dish’s depth of flavor before—as with my mom’s grits cakes—they’re chilled in a casserole dish overnight before being cut into triangular slices and broiled until golden.

— Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

Definition of chill

Verb

Google will be forced to share search data with competing search providers, giving them a better chance of gaining market share and loosening Google’s iron grip on web search.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
Localize the problem; do flexibility exercises to loosen tight muscles.

— Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 16 July 2026

Definition of loosen

Verb

There was a dinner for 500 after the fashion show on Tuesday night, and he was besieged by guests wanting to talk to him, talk his picture, take selfies, and just bask in his glory.

— Dylan Jones, Robb Report, 16 July 2026
The Toronto Blue Jays entered this season basking in the glow of a World Series run.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of bask

Verb

The amenity spread includes a sauna and cold plunge, which Pine probably could have used for unwinding after dealing with any local Trekkies.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 14 July 2026
Cortina, the hotel's fanciest restaurant, applies Northern Italian techniques to Montana ingredients like bison and venison, while the 11,000-square-foot spa gives guests a place to unwind after a day on the slopes or the trails.

— Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026

Definition of unwind

Verb

Broadway's glittering lights have always beckoned aspiring thespians and avid theatergoers to New York, and the city's ever exciting theatre scene is far from simply resting on its laurels.

— Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026
Dennis Sochor, a swimming-pool cleaner, helped Patty move her ill friend into her car to rest, and Patty ultimately got in Sochor’s car, according to the Miami Herald’s archives.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Definition of rest

Verb

Because vacation is about decompressing and disconnecting from daily life—not about worrying what’s going on at home.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
The 'why' behind airline safety rules Local Greek media reported that a piece of the engine had broken off and that debris smashed the window, quickly decompressing the cabin, which led to part of Karović's body being sucked out of the window.

— Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 14 July 2026

Definition of decompress

Verb

Meanwhile, September is proving increasingly attractive for many travelers, followed by October, when the island winds down and prepares to close shop for the season.

— Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
As the World Cup winds down to the semifinals and finals, Telemundo is stepping up its live production effort to elevate the presentation of the decisive last matches.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 July 2026

Definition of wind down

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 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of relax

verb

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