RELAXATION Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

relaxation

noun

ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən

Definition of relaxation

as in recreation

activity engaged in to amuse oneself what do people in this jerkwater town do for relaxation?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rest

freedom from activity or labor meditating in a state of total relaxation

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 relaxation The property was designed to bring families together with plenty of space for both private relaxation and communal activities. — Mary Holland, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026 Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that may bind to certain brain receptors linked to relaxation. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026 Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters involved in sleep and supports muscle relaxation. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026 Parents don’t need to feel guilty if their teens aren’t constantly busy—unstructured time can foster self-reflection and relaxation. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for relaxation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxation

Noun

The 1,200-square-foot finished, walkout lower level currently features a large home office and a dedicated recreation area.

— Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026
The golf course that once existed primarily to support parking and recreation now hosts nationally recognized music festivals.

— Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of recreation

Noun

Rodri had the best World Cup of anybody, officially, though there will be City fans who would have preferred him to have gone out in the quarter-finals and had some extra rest before the new season.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 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

Definition of rest

Noun

For the typical leisure traveler, price and total travel time are the metrics that drive booking decisions, according to Jeff Galak, associate professor of marketing at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
This suggests something deeper in American culture that has made leisure reading seem less desirable or less valuable.

— John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026

Definition of leisure

Noun

Though Wasserman hasn’t been charged with any crime, the exchanges took place before Maxwell had been charged with any wrongdoing, and the LA28 board backed Wasserman, the entertainment mogul sold his agency after several prominent artists fled.

— Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 24 July 2026
The fifth-floor suite includes a custom bar sink and entertainment nook ready-made for gatherings.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 July 2026

Definition of entertainment

Noun

Circular patios and courtyards will direct light into the building, while gardens and outdoor resting places will allow visitors to take in views of the nearby Pichincha volcano.

— News Desk, Artforum, 24 July 2026
Speculation is that the photo was taken as the family was on their way to visit the final resting place of Princess Diana, who is buried on a secluded island in Round Oval Lake.

— StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 24 July 2026

Definition of resting

Noun

No one forces us to perform the role, the financial rewards for those who make the international list are considerable, and for the most part the enjoyment found on the field makes up for the plentiful aggro off it.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 23 July 2026
Under long-standing gift tax principles, gifts that postpone the beneficiary’s present use or enjoyment are typically treated as gifts of a future interest.

— Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of enjoyment

Noun

Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, a combined amusement and water park that makes an easy add-on to any early season game-day itinerary.

— Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson posted a selfie alongside his teammate Arvid Lindblad on an EasyJet flight out of Belgium last Sunday, sparking amusement among fans who had not expected two F1 drivers to put faith in the budget airline.

— Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of amusement

Browse Nearby Words

relaxant

relaxation

relaxed

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Relaxation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relaxation. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of relaxation

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on relaxation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

sultry

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes