as in soothing
tending to calm the emotions and relieve stress
a relaxing cup of chamomile tea
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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 relaxing
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Few things are more relaxing than slipping into a bubbly hot tub — being able to do it every night in the comfort of your own backyard would be pure bliss.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Caesars Beach Club is decorated in soft neutral colors and natural teak to help create a relaxing day—or night—at the beach.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Sunrises from the balcony are almost as relaxing as falling asleep to the sounds of hundreds of tree frogs.
—Hayley Domin, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026
Velvet curtains flank the floor-to-ceiling windows for some earthy contrast, while a long sectional sofa invites you to spend a relaxing night sprawled out in front of the TV.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2026
Keeping toys and games out of the living room prevents clutter and maintains a relaxing space for adults.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 28 May 2026
Designed for both entertaining and relaxing, floor-to-ceiling glass walls open up to a 360-degree terrace with stunning views over Hampstead Heath.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 May 2026
The ocean is invigorating, but the lake is so relaxing and accessible.
—Kelly Ryan Kegans, Midwest Living, 22 May 2026
Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 June 2026
There’s also plenty of time for relaxing poolside and browsing boutiques built into the schedule.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 6 June 2026
Mid-Century Stereo Equipment Records have made a major comeback, and flipping through a stack of vinyl to reminisce is relaxing.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 5 June 2026
From start to finish, the experience was relaxing and indulgent.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Yes, sitting and watching the sun go down just about anywhere on earth is a rewarding and relaxing experience in its own right.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2026
Pack lots of snacks, bring a blanket and secure your spot on the lawn for a relaxing summer night under the stars.
—Laura Daily, Denver Post, 3 June 2026
Nestled right in the heart of the Uptown neighborhood, this two-bedroom Magic Cottage will give you a taste of Victorian flair with its original architectural details and two living rooms (one for relaxing, and another for pre-dinner drinks).
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2026
A lot of the focus for Merrill has been on relaxing.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
Adjective
Separate soaking tubs provide an alternative for a more relaxing bath.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Few things are more relaxing than slipping into a bubbly hot tub — being able to do it every night in the comfort of your own backyard would be pure bliss.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Caesars Beach Club is decorated in soft neutral colors and natural teak to help create a relaxing day—or night—at the beach.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Sunrises from the balcony are almost as relaxing as falling asleep to the sounds of hundreds of tree frogs.
—Hayley Domin, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026
Velvet curtains flank the floor-to-ceiling windows for some earthy contrast, while a long sectional sofa invites you to spend a relaxing night sprawled out in front of the TV.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2026
Keeping toys and games out of the living room prevents clutter and maintains a relaxing space for adults.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 28 May 2026
Designed for both entertaining and relaxing, floor-to-ceiling glass walls open up to a 360-degree terrace with stunning views over Hampstead Heath.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 May 2026
The ocean is invigorating, but the lake is so relaxing and accessible.
—Kelly Ryan Kegans, Midwest Living, 22 May 2026
Verb
Orange blossom Similar to lemon verbena, orange blossom is calming, antispasmodic (relaxing the muscles in the walls of your internal organs), and anti-nausea.
—Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 June 2026
There’s also plenty of time for relaxing poolside and browsing boutiques built into the schedule.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 6 June 2026
Mid-Century Stereo Equipment Records have made a major comeback, and flipping through a stack of vinyl to reminisce is relaxing.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 5 June 2026
From start to finish, the experience was relaxing and indulgent.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Yes, sitting and watching the sun go down just about anywhere on earth is a rewarding and relaxing experience in its own right.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2026
Pack lots of snacks, bring a blanket and secure your spot on the lawn for a relaxing summer night under the stars.
—Laura Daily, Denver Post, 3 June 2026
Nestled right in the heart of the Uptown neighborhood, this two-bedroom Magic Cottage will give you a taste of Victorian flair with its original architectural details and two living rooms (one for relaxing, and another for pre-dinner drinks).
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2026
A lot of the focus for Merrill has been on relaxing.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxing
Adjective
-
That palms-together, head-bobbing, smiling Thai service creates the most soothing, de-stressing atmosphere.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
The formula also uses AnnonaSense, ceramides, glycerin and shea butter, among other soothing ingredients, to hydrate and retain moisture, while also working to help neutralize visible redness.—
Rachel Burchfield,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
The initiative risks further chilling negotiations on a truce extension, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and paving the way for more detailed talks over Iran’s nuclear program.—
Jennifer A. Dlouhy,
Fortune,
7 June 2026
-
For longer storage, ripe tomatoes can be kept in the refrigerator, but note that chilling can dull their flavor and change their texture.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
Meanwhile, Noina uses her elbows, knees and feet to administer a satisfyingly joint-loosening Thai massage.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has frequently lambasted the military for loosening physical fitness requirements.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Suitable gifts for this guy—a barbecue blanket for resting meats, or a selection of dry rubs geared to smoking.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
Once onboard your pet, both male and female fleas feed at the first opportunity, typically when your pet is resting, says Benson.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Its skylight en-suite with a sauna opens out to a discreet patio with a hot tub for unwinding.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
-
Suites and villas lean rustic-luxe, with dark woods, stone accents, and oversized soaking tubs perfect for unwinding after a long day of wildlife spotting.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Summer is coming, which means more time spent by the pool and basking in the sun.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
-
Felix Rosenqvist is basking in his big Indianapolis 500 win with his little one.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Bereaved individuals have often told me that hearing other people’s memories of the person who died can be deeply comforting.—
Julie Kaplow,
USA Today,
30 May 2026
-
The show's plot revolves around tropes that are intentionally comforting and formulaic—fake dating, jock meets girl next door, and opposites attract—and evidently, the styling follows suit.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
The better reason to stay here is to spend three days decompressing.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
-
There's still some decompressing to do.—
Ren Clayton,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relaxing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relaxing. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
