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
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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
The action jumps forward decades, with an elderly Sammie relaxing at a bar after a set.
—
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Jan. 2026
Through meditation, the mind naturally relaxes, settles into the present moment, and grants us access to our consciousness and our own innate intelligence.
—Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Time, 10 Jan. 2026
Done right, a cozymaxxed space should invite you to relax and unwind, acting as respite from the harsh winter cold outside.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Their dogs relaxed beside them.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relax
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Jan. 2026
Through meditation, the mind naturally relaxes, settles into the present moment, and grants us access to our consciousness and our own innate intelligence.
—Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Time, 10 Jan. 2026
Done right, a cozymaxxed space should invite you to relax and unwind, acting as respite from the harsh winter cold outside.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Their dogs relaxed beside them.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax
Verb
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Travelers seeking to balance the energy of Japan’s cities with relaxation can unwind at one of the country’s more than 3,000 onsen (hot springs) spread across the country.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Jan. 2026
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Bright and spellbinding, glittering and dangerous, London Falling scratches every itch while unwinding this morbid mystery.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The acidic properties of this inexpensive, nontoxic, and eco-friendly household cleaner help to break down grease, loosen dried-on food, and neutralize funky odors.—
Gemma Johnstone,
The Spruce,
10 Jan. 2026
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Instead of stimulating the brain, alcohol slows it down and loosens inhibitions.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Grab a lounge chair, crack a coconut, and bask in the beauty of a bare beach; this is how to enjoy a trip to Anegada.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Jan. 2026
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This Spring Stroll through gardens, marvel at flower shop displays, stop for a photo op, and bask in the romance of springtime on this walking tour itinerary.—
Jamie Spain,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Letting cookie dough rest is one of the hardest parts of making cookies.—
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
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That’s why investing in a plush, comfortable duvet insert or comforter is essential for creating a cozy oasis to start the new year off well-rested.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said the team would give Misa some time to decompress before general manager Mike Grier decides the next step.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
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Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates barely had a chance to decompress from their grueling 11-month season and MLS Cup championship.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Carefully add the liquids and stir for about 10 seconds to combine and begin to chill.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Adding a splash of ice water and chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in the perfect texture.—
Lizzy Briskin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The stand collar is ideal for keeping the chill out, too, while a water-resistant fabric sloughs off rain and snow with ease.—
Michelle Tchea,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Jan. 2026
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The women's beanie is highly functional, too, thanks to a blend of wool and synthetic materials that’ll take the chill out of biting days and perfectly stretch to fit your head.—
Alison Syrett Cleary,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The rain is expected to begin winding down Thursday night as the storm system moves on.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
7 Jan. 2026
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On Monday morning, the Sierra Avalanche Center reported that the recent storm was beginning to wind down, but warned that avalanche risks remained elevated due to strong winds and unstable snow.—
Daniel Hunt
January 5,
Sacbee.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relax. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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