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

But thanks to Kemble’s careful vision, it gets pulled together into a relaxing space where there's always a new detail to catch your eye. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

Grocery shopping for school-age kids is not a relaxing, easy-to-manage weekly chore. — Parents, 7 Aug. 2026

Forster said this vibration creates a low-frequency hum which can be very relaxing to many visitors. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2026

Blood shortages are expected during the summer as people shift their focus from donating blood to vacationing, relaxing, and special celebrations. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Last month, the sisters were spotted enjoying a relaxing day out on a yacht in Italy to mark Antonia’s 55th birthday. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026

The understated luxury of the spacious and well-appointed accommodations creates a relaxing and elegant ambiance. — Wendy Altschuler, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026

Louise Watley Library will host a break from the heat in the form of a relaxing coloring program geared toward all ages several times throughout the month. — Elizabeth Green, AJC.com, 30 July 2026

The hot tub has 13 jets that create a spa-like experience at home, plus multicolor underwater LED lights that set the mood for a relaxing evening. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026

Verb

Flip up the recliner-style side extension, and the wraparound seat becomes more of a chaise lounge for kicking up one's feet and relaxing away an evening at camp. — New Atlas, 11 Aug. 2026

Finally, there’s magnesium, a mineral known for calming the nervous system and relaxing muscles. — Mura Dominko, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026

This means guests have panoramic views of Three Mile Harbor, while inside, high ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace offer a relaxing atmosphere year-round. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026

Fortunately, kinetic sand enables children and adults to sculpt, mold and shape sand in a fun and relaxing way, without creating an unwanted mess. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Key Takeaways Peppermint tea is a relaxing beverage that may indirectly promote better sleep. — Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2026

And, just as most holodeck adventures turn out to be bad for the blood pressure, going on vacation is never as restful or relaxing as it's supposed to be. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2026

The South is rich in relaxing beach towns, but, according to Michael Linder, general manager of The Mills House in Charleston, there’s one in particular that stands out. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026

The Kea Lani also offers customized health and wellness coaching, sound healing immersion and relaxing yoga sessions using aromatherapy, reiki healing and restorative movement. — Ben Davidson, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026