1
as in rests
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
2
as in loosens
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
3
as in basks
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 relaxes
Overthinking at work drains emotional energy because your brain never fully relaxes.
—
Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Set in the palace's former stables, the spa relaxes with a gorgeous indoor pool and aromatic treatments.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Keep words warm, yet clear and definite today so everyone relaxes sooner.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
The new documentary includes footage of this shocking moment, showing Attenborough pressed to the ground as a young gorilla relaxes on top of him, seemingly unbothered by the man in their midst.
—Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026
The color forges a deep connection with nature that simultaneously relaxes and energizes.
—Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
Friedenzohn, from Embry-Riddle, previously said that the DOT sometimes relaxes these requirements on a case-by-case basis.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Inhalers often contain albuterol, a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles and opens up the airway.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2026
Our method relaxes that constraint, allowing scientists to explore materials that were not practical before.
—Andrei Derevianko, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Set in the palace's former stables, the spa relaxes with a gorgeous indoor pool and aromatic treatments.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Keep words warm, yet clear and definite today so everyone relaxes sooner.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
The new documentary includes footage of this shocking moment, showing Attenborough pressed to the ground as a young gorilla relaxes on top of him, seemingly unbothered by the man in their midst.
—Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026
The color forges a deep connection with nature that simultaneously relaxes and energizes.
—Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
Friedenzohn, from Embry-Riddle, previously said that the DOT sometimes relaxes these requirements on a case-by-case basis.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Inhalers often contain albuterol, a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles and opens up the airway.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2026
Our method relaxes that constraint, allowing scientists to explore materials that were not practical before.
—Andrei Derevianko, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxes
Verb
-
Palestinians and Lebanese exist and persist in their land the way a tree grows and a rock rests.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
Defense rests without Anthony taking the stand The defense presented only three witnesses before resting on Monday.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
But by the second verse, a racing beat arrives and never loosens its grip, especially as Rodrigo climbs the chorus.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
-
Today’s proclamation loosens restrictions on fishing in some of those same areas, specifically, Mau and Ho‘omalu Zones of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, and the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument.—
Tom Tapp,
Deadline,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
As Zoë Kravitz basks in her recent engagement to Harry Styles, The Batman actress is looking ahead to an upcoming milestone in their relationship.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
11 June 2026
-
As humanity basks in the aftermath of the unprecedented success of Artemis II, which took humans back to the Moon for the first time in 54 years and brought them farther from Earth than ever before, many of us can’t help but think about grander goals.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This nifty side table chills beverages for hours while doubling as a convenient spot to set down drinks or snacks.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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The current crisis in Iran has sent memories bubbling to the surface for the collective, and chills down the spines of viewers.—
Chloe Shrager,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
After a day on the river or in the hills, this is where Reno unwinds.—
Ted Alvarez,
Outside,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Franny unwinds the silk scarf from her neck and pulls back her long hair, which is still damp with sweat from the rush to board.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The dead hang strengthens the shoulders and decompresses the spine, combating the effects of gravity over time.—
Saralyn Ward,
Health,
15 May 2026
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Using contoured foam rollers built into an adjustable frame, the bed gently decompresses the spine while massaging muscles along the way.—
Joe Jackson,
Outside,
20 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Relaxes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relaxes. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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