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
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
Exhaling occurs when the diaphragm relaxes and the chest recoils.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Don’t be afraid to suggest budget caps for group plans, because everyone relaxes when guidelines are simple and visible.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Rising Star in Beverly Hills Gable relaxes on the veranda of his new Beverly Hills rental home in this 1931 photo, which accompanied an article in Screenland magazine.
—Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 24 Feb. 2026
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
Exhaling occurs when the diaphragm relaxes and the chest recoils.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Don’t be afraid to suggest budget caps for group plans, because everyone relaxes when guidelines are simple and visible.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Rising Star in Beverly Hills Gable relaxes on the veranda of his new Beverly Hills rental home in this 1931 photo, which accompanied an article in Screenland magazine.
—Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxes
Verb
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And at the counter, where chef and guest are separated by little more than a stretch of the hand, everything rests on precision, presence and the quiet thrill of relinquishing control to the chef’s capable hands.—
Rachel Ingram,
Robb Report,
10 May 2026
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And sure, animals such as starfish and flatworms can reproduce by cloning themselves—but at the end of the day, in most species, the survival of animals rests on their mothers.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
10 May 2026
Verb
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Why the Story is Bigger Than Finance The more interesting part of the company’s positioning begins once the finance label loosens.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
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Once the gunk loosens, simply wipe the interior clean with a cloth.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
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Floorboards and beige walls didn’t do much to set the mood, but they were beautifully accompanied by period furniture and lamps, that kept the post-war vibe the rest of the hotel basks in.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
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After a day on the river or in the hills, this is where Reno unwinds.—
Ted Alvarez,
Outside,
4 Mar. 2026
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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
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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 14 May. 2026.
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