Synonyms of relaxing

relaxing 1 of 2

adjective

as in soothing

tending to calm the emotions and relieve stress

a relaxing cup of chamomile tea

Synonyms & Similar Words

• soothing
• tranquilizing
• comforting
• calming
• hypnotic
• quieting
• sedative
• dreamy
• narcotic
• lulling
• depressant
• opiate
• pacifying
• analgesic
• deadening
• anesthetic
• anodyne
• antidepressant
• antianxiety
• numbing
• antistress
• antidepression

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• painful
• stressful
• tiresome
• troubling
• unsettling
• trying
• stimulating
• worrisome
• stimulant
• troublesome
• frustrating
• disturbing
• annoying
• energizing
• irritating
• aggravating
• invigorating
• bothersome
• maddening
• exasperating
• irksome
• vexatious
• vexing
• galling
• harassing
• grating
• nettlesome

relaxing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of relax

1

as in chilling

to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety

she took deep breaths to relax before going on stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• chilling
• resting
• unwinding
• decompressing
• basking
• de-stressing
• hanging loose
• loosening up
• winding down
• calming
• composing
• mellowing (out)
• lounging
• chilling out
• comforting
• settling
• lazing
• relieving
• loafing
• cooling
• idling
• lolling
• alleviating
• bumming
• reposing
• unbending
• hanging (around or out)
• easing
• quieting
• vegetating
• dawdling
• kicking back
• droning
• hacking (around)
• goofing (off)
• dillydallying
• vegging out
• zoning out
• footling
• dallying

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tensing (up)

2

as in loosening

to make less taut

relax the rope a bit so I can pick up the slack and tie this knot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• loosening
• slacking
• slackening
• easing
• detaching
• freeing
• untying
• undoing
• unfastening
• unbinding

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stretching
• tightening
• straining
• binding
• tying
• attaching
• tensing
• fastening
• restraining
• tensioning
• constraining

3

as in resting

to refrain from labor or exertion

I just want to kick back and relax after mowing that huge lawn

Synonyms & Similar Words

• resting
• basking
• lounging
• hanging
• reposing
• lolling
• kicking back
• idling
• loafing
• hanging around
• bumming
• slacking (off)
• hanging about
• vegging out
• goldbricking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• working
• laboring
• struggling
• striving
• sweating
• plowing
• plugging
• plodding
• hustling
• straining
• toiling
• slaving
• grubbing
• pegging (away)
• slogging
• exercising
• humping
• drudging
• working out
• travailing
• moiling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of relaxing

Adjective

In the photos, Biles and Owens, 30, enjoyed a relaxing day by the pool. —Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026

With a few upgrades, your own backyard becomes a relaxing oasis. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026

This spring, just outside the dining room, Shahniani will add the Expoterrace, a relaxing patio with a fountain, waterfalls and lush plants inspired by Living with the Land at Epcot in Florida. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026

Tropea Beach, which sits on Tyrrhenian Sea in the southern part of Italy’s Calabria region, is the world’s most relaxing beach, according to a new study. —Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026

Prague is well-positioned for sightseeing while being removed enough from the cacophony of Old Town to make for a relaxing stay. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Apr. 2026

There were plenty of more relaxing things All-Star Junior Caminero could have done during a rare day off at home for the Rays. —Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026

Healthy sleep habits, such as keeping a regular schedule, minimizing evening screen time, and following a relaxing bedtime routine, are the key to better sleep. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2026

The mix adds fragrance, texture and an actual payoff at dinnertime — turning a balcony into both a relaxing and productive space. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026

Verb

The Hollywood star enjoyed her birthday week spending time with family, friends and Ramirez, as well as enjoying a relaxing spa visit. —Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026

Think open hiking trails, relaxing inns at a more attainable value, and cool mornings with warm afternoons. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 10 May 2026

Coming home after a long day should feel relaxing — but that’s not always possible if you’re greeted by piles of shoes and have no space to hang your coat. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026

Outdoors enthusiasts can choose from horseback riding, hiking, or bicycling before relaxing in the spa. —Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026

Activities in these passport-free vacation spots include relaxing on white sand beaches, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. —Dave Parfitt, USA Today, 9 May 2026

Azure Blue Azure blue also clashes with the warm, 3000K, soft white bulb that most of us prefer for a relaxing soak. —Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026

According to art expert Jessie Brooks, people are programmed to connect certain relaxing paint colors with various times of day and emotional states. —Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 7 May 2026

One option your provider may discuss is GEMTESA (vibegron), a prescription treatment that works by relaxing the bladder muscle. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 May 2026