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 Omar introduced the bill, the Maintaining Essential Access to Lunch for Students Act, that drastically relaxed eligibility requirements for food distributors to be able to receive reimbursements during the COVID-19 school shutdowns. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 24 July 2026 While more research is needed to determine how much these beverages can directly improve sleep, their popularity highlights a growing interest in simple nighttime rituals designed to help people relax and transition into rest. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026 Everton were open to retaining the Senegalese on the right terms but were relaxed about his situation. — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 24 July 2026 Travelers can island hop around the archipelago, kayak, scuba dive or relax in hot springs. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for relax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax

Verb

Taste and adjust the syrup, bitters, or water by the teaspoonful if desired, then chill.

— Al Culliton, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 July 2026
Courtesy of Elevation Tea Martinez encourages wine enthusiasts to brew these teas, chill them slightly and serve them in a wine glass rather than a mug.

— Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of chill

Verb

Briceno recommends anchoring your elbow, loosening your grip, and allowing the brush to do the work.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026
Situational hitting, bunting, sacrifice flies and moving runners over helped loosen the lineup, allowing the power hitters to do their thing without feeling the need to produce in every at-bat.

— Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of loosen

Verb

Perez basked in the spotlight after setting the franchise mark with his 318th career home run.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
After celebrating, a video posted by BBC Sport showed the Belgian squad huddling together to bask in their victory, before breaking out into dance.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026

Definition of bask

Verb

An accessible and welcoming space for a family to unwind and enjoy together without barriers is a rare treat.

— Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026
Slow down with a massage, body treatment, or holistic therapies like Reiki and sound healing before unwinding in Half-Mile Farm’s mineral saltwater pool and Jacuzzi.

— Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

Definition of unwind

Verb

The camp's primary purpose is to provide presidents a place to rest, relax and recharge.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Without Lionel Messi’s participation in the contest — due to an agreement between the MLS and MLS Players Association to allow certain World Cup players to rest without penalty — the league needed another star to step up.

— Kamran Nia July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 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

With summer movie season winding down, studios and streamers were eager to remind fans what’s coming to their televisions this fall.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 28 July 2026
The district, established in 1992, well after the Voting Rights Act, to help ensure Black voting power, is in the process of a major transition of leadership as Congresswoman Frederica Wilson winds down her final term.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 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 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of relax

verb

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