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
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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
Also, closing your mouth a bit relaxes your jaw muscles and gives you more space back there.
—
Elizabeth Cohen, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2025
But the new guidance relaxes those limits.
—Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Elizabeth Cohen, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2025
But the new guidance relaxes those limits.
—Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxes
Verb
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The evidence strongly indicates JNJ’s rally rests on solid foundations that could support continued outperformance.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Routh, who is representing himself despite having little legal experience, has signaled that his defense rests largely on his character.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In such a scenario, reminiscent of the ‘70s, if the Fed loosens policy prematurely, inflation could spike, leading to the painful corrective measures seen under Powell’s predecessor Paul Volcker, who hiked rates aggressively and weathered severe, double-dip recessions.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
2 Sep. 2025
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Play loosens the grip of judgment.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
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During the height of the summer heat, the ice chills the water for the penguin, sea otter and hippo habitats.—
Elizabeth B. Kim,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Sep. 2025
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Yet, even if courts side with Cook, the damage is done—the intimidation chills independent decision-making.—
Dan Irvine,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Relaxes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relaxes. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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