RELAXATIONS 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 Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, massages, and meditation. — Joy Emeh, HEALTH, 22 Aug. 2026 The chair itself reclines to 105°, 120°, or 135°, covering different moments from focused work to casual reading or gaming and deeper relaxation. — New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2026 Indeed, the lounge has value to both airlines and passengers beyond rest and relaxation. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Brainlume was developed in response to growing interest in tools designed for evening relaxation and winding down. — William Jones, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relaxation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxation

Noun

The guidance comes after residents cited noise, effects on wildlife and a desire to preserve natural areas used for recreation, hunting and fishing, according to a press release from the government of Greenland, Naalakkersuisut.

— Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Intended to preserve the human-scale coastal character, conservation values, passive recreation function, neighborhood compatibility and ecological and recreational function of North Hollywood Beach Park and surrounding coastal areas.

— Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of recreation

Noun

Water, snacks, rest and weather conditions shape the schedule, with his well-being guiding each appearance.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
When budgets tighten, the report finds consumers protect relationships, rest and personal growth first, cutting material purchases and discretionary splurges before anything tied to connection or well-being.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of rest

Noun

Paranormal Activity understands just how much fun that can be, crafting a story so suspenseful, so surprising and so startling that the audience’s screams become a soundtrack all their own.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
There’s a fun bit when Green pulls her badge to walk Reacher out through the police cordon, pretending to have placed him under arrest, but the ruse doesn’t last long.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of fun

Noun

The espresso martini and French 75 cocktails reimagine the traditional in-room beverage experiences as they are displayed in every category’s Honor Bar, which allows guests to discover them at their leisure.

— Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
For retail, the NAR measures growth in retail trade as well as leisure and hospitality employment.

— Diana Olick, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of leisure

Noun

Potential suitors would also naturally be looking at what the future holds for the entertainment business at large.

— Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
The global board game market has been on the upswing since 2020, when people looked for new entertainment and hobbies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

— Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of entertainment

Noun

According to Briggs, work has become synonymous with busyness and resting is seen as a sign of weakness or something taken only as an extreme reward.

— John Hall, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
The controversy over Jackie’s final resting place is striking because in life, the raptor was a unifying force.

— Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of resting

Noun

In 2028, American Airlines will upgrade many of its smaller Airbus and Boeing jets, adding 4K screens with Bluetooth audio to seatbacks for passengers' enjoyment.

— Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
Evans said Collinson’s research indicates that the ability to rest and decompress at the beginning of a journey can influence the enjoyment that follows.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of enjoyment

Noun

And the crowd on-hand watching the festivities roared in amusement.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026
New Atlas The rides were in varying stages of decay, and there seemed to be a lot of orphaned carousel horses from other amusement centers dotted across the park.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 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

kith

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 28

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes