relaxation

noun

ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce relaxation (audio)
Definition of relaxationnext
1
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
2
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 Moments of restoration continue at the resort’s spa, where treatments are rooted in relaxation, renewal and self-care. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026 Women are driving and playing a greater role in the workforce — part of a relaxation of the previous enforcement of a particularly austere interpretation of Islam. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 29 July 2026 A week or two of relaxation and adventure can leave you feeling refreshed, recharged and better prepared to tackle the demands of everyday life. — Barton Goldsmith, AJC.com, 29 July 2026 The peaceful massaging relaxation of these luxurious tubs can be a dream for many. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for relaxation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxation
  1. recreation
  2. rest
  3. fun
  4. leisure
  5. entertainment
  6. resting
  7. enjoyment
  8. amusement
Noun
  • The financial services organization considered income taxes, healthcare, recreation, and demographics in creating its list.
    — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The exhibit's visitors can get a chilling feel for the time, with full scale recreations of the annex rooms where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis.
    — Marie Saavedra, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of recreation
Noun
  • This is supportive energy for closure, rest, or releasing a feeling that has been taking up too much room behind the scenes.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Keep your schedule lighter, and give rest a real place in your day by declining an extra task.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of rest
Noun
  • As Ford Field Park is being set up with fun rides, Dearborn residents are split over the new curfew rule.
    — Heath Kalb, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The concert series includes live music, dancing, drinks and food for purchase and family fun.
    — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of fun
Noun
  • These included income growth, poverty rate, leisure time and amount of park land.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • Fewer people seem to ​question the hours devoted to leisure than the hours invested in a professional calling.
    — Alexandra Kharazi, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of leisure
Noun
  • For those involved with Powell Gardens, however, the anniversary was about more than adding new entertainment.
    — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The 201-room property has evolved into a destination for elevated dining, craft cocktails and live entertainment.
    — Martie Bowser, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • Many believe the photo was taken in the Althorp Estate gardens, Diana’s final resting place.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 30 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of resting
Noun
  • Beyond ski-in-ski-out access during the winter months, even though this 8,000-square-foot home has its own private gondola, this residence was built for year-round enjoyment.
    — Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Still, full-size luxury sedans define the enjoyment of driving.
    — James Raia, Mercury News, 26 July 2026
Definition of enjoyment
Noun
  • Many travelers speed right by on their way to the flashy amusements of Kemah or Galveston’s sandy beaches.
    — Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 29 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of amusement

Browse Nearby Words

relaxant
relaxation
relaxed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relaxation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relaxation. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on relaxation

Nglish: Translation of relaxation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about relaxation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of nurture

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

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'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All