relaxes

verb

present tense third-person singular of relax
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

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 relaxes Within a few minutes, the sphincter muscle usually relaxes to allow for a bowel movement. — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 28 June 2026 The wind relaxes a bit mid-week, but temps will still hover around the low 90s. — Adam Del Rosso, CBS News, 27 June 2026 Warm water relaxes the scrotum, which makes the testicles easier to feel. — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxes
  1. rests
  2. loosens
  3. basks
  4. chills
  5. unwinds
  6. decompresses
Verb
  • But the White House later denied this, telling the outlet that no such approval is required or granted and that release timing rests entirely with companies.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 9 July 2026
  • In fact, nearly 80% of the the agency’s funding goes toward these collaborations to produce critical data that the entire public health system rests on.
    — John Kubale, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
Definition of rests
Verb
  • The heat softens and loosens debris in the carpet fibers so it can be vacuumed away.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 26 June 2026
  • One of the gentlest is WD-40, which loosens rust, lubricates parts, and helps protect the surface from further rusting.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 June 2026
Definition of loosens
Verb
  • Some New York Knicks fans are calling for one of the team's most famous supporters, Spike Lee, to get some shine as the team basks in championship glory.
    — Mason Leib, ABC News, 15 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of basks
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
  • 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
Definition of chills
Verb
  • The deal unwinds a big merger ten years ago and restores the Rentrak name, which box office insiders will be familiar with.
    — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
  • After a day on the river or in the hills, this is where Reno unwinds.
    — Ted Alvarez, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
Definition of unwinds
Verb
  • The dead hang strengthens the shoulders and decompresses the spine, combating the effects of gravity over time.
    — Saralyn Ward, Health, 15 May 2026
  • 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
Definition of decompresses

Browse Nearby Words

relaxedness
relaxes
relaxing
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Cite this Entry

“Relaxes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relaxes. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on relaxes

Nglish: Translation of relaxes for Spanish Speakers

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