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 general, the reduction of decision-making to easy choices was, for me, possibly the most relaxing element of all. — Kate Berlant, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Expansive exterior decks and a generous flybridge create space for entertaining, relaxing, or even exercising in the great outdoors. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026

Tushy Fresh Dual-Nozzle Bidet Offering easy installation, this bidet with a no-frills interface has some relaxing perks (including a heated water option) without too many extra knobs and levers. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026

If your idea of a relaxing fall weekend does not involve joining everybody else in America at the Smokies, Bowron also offered a more under-the-radar option. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

In fact, according to a ranking from vape retailer Vape and Go, Tallinn, Estonia, is Europe’s most relaxing metro for travelers in 2026. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Sep. 2026

Few things are more relaxing than enjoying the outdoors in a rocking chair (doing that with a side of leaf peeping just puts a cherry on top). — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026

What should be a relaxing weekend quickly veers off course as Chuck inserts himself into the group and tests the limits of their patience. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026

Common Mistakes Deadheading can be a relaxing task, but don’t overdo it. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026

Verb

No wonder Dad had been terrified of making a mistake, of relaxing or trusting others enough to let his guard down. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026

If school is the equivalent of work, then surely time at home is for relaxing after work. — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026

The following day, restorative massages in the hotel’s spa, Umari, were followed with relaxing strolls through the enchanting walled city. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026

Each has an ofuro tub, steam shower, infrared sauna, relaxing area to take tea and fruit after a treatment, and an outside garden area with a plunge pool and an outdoor shower. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

In one photo, Hudson showed off her toned figure in a bright red bandeau bikini while relaxing on the beach with her fiancé, Danny Fujikawa. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

The therapy relevant here focuses on relaxing the muscles, not strengthening them, which is the opposite of what most patients associate with pelvic floor work. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2026

The layout is geared toward indoor-outdoor living, with ample space for relaxing and entertaining across four decks. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026

The older victim was relaxing outside, smoking a cigar, when he was shot, his father, Clarence Gaines, told The News. — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026