RELAXER 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 Zuccon International Project designed the interiors, creating a refined yet relaxed onboard environment that can accommodate up to 14 passengers. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 July 2026 Build in some time to relax and make a stop at Refuge, a thermal-cycle spa in nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 20 July 2026 There’s nothing like coming back to a clean, relaxing home after a long trip. — Kayla Becker, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 July 2026 If your ideal vacation itinerary involves spending time reading by the pool and relaxing in the spa, you’ll be drawn to this light and watery scent by Studio Tanaïs. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for relax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax

Verb

Store it in your hotel minibar fridge to chill for maximum effect.

— Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 19 July 2026
The final additions of cheddar, nutmeg, and red pepper round out the dish’s depth of flavor before—as with my mom’s grits cakes—they’re chilled in a casserole dish overnight before being cut into triangular slices and broiled until golden.

— Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 16 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

There was a dinner for 500 after the fashion show on Tuesday night, and he was besieged by guests wanting to talk to him, talk his picture, take selfies, and just bask in his glory.

— Dylan Jones, Robb Report, 16 July 2026
The Toronto Blue Jays entered this season basking in the glow of a World Series run.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 15 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 rider was thrown from the motorcycle and hit the metal guardrail, coming to rest on the right shoulder, according to the patrol.

— Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
Matar at times rested his hand on his chin and sometimes turned to speak to his lawyer, but not toward the witness stand, though the defendant did watch the author walk out a door.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 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

As the World Cup has wound down, the transfer market has not taken long to spring into life.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 20 July 2026
For older kids who have trouble adjusting to the demands on the school year, plenty of time to wind down after school and a predictable morning routine are key.

— Parents, Parents, 17 July 2026

Definition of wind down

Browse Nearby Words

relaunching

relax

relaxant

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relax. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of relax

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on relax

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

vituperate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

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

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

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

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

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes