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

Sue Glass Redondo Beach Hope everyone had a nice relaxing offseason. —Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026

Onboard/Offboard is a series that explores the can't-miss highlights of our favorite cruises—from the shore excursions to book to the spa treatments too relaxing to pass up. —Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026

Working with clay can be a relaxing experience and provide a beneficial creative outlet for both children and adults. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026

The subtle color shade of the fabric and the wingback design of the headboard fit perfectly with the natural light and the high ceilings to make a relaxing and inviting bedroom. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026

What was supposed to have been a relaxing weekend outing turned nerve-wracking when the couple encountered a checkpoint. —Nbc News, NBC news, 6 Jan. 2026

Try these for winter gatherings, special celebrations, or simply a relaxing break from the cold. —Midwest Living, 5 Jan. 2026

From navigation and communication to refrigeration and remote work, losing power on the road can quickly turn a relaxing trip into a stressful situation. —Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2026

Standing in the backyard and watching fireflies in the summertime is very relaxing. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026

Verb

Style your living room with new throw pillow covers and blankets, design a relaxing bedroom with natural cotton sheets, set the table with stoneware plates, or make your kitchen even more functional with premium baking dishes and wooden utensils. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026

That must include a lounge set that’s comfy enough for relaxing on the couch but has a polished design that looks put-together when worn out of the house. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026

Visitors enjoy fishing, water sports, sailing, or just relaxing on the sandy shores. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026

License to Train Woven Mid-Rise Jogger Celebrities from Oprah to Gwyneth Paltrow and Hailey Bieber have been spotted in track pants recently, and this jogger-style pair is perfect for grabbing coffee with a friend, trying a new yoga class, and relaxing by the fire with a warm cup of tea. —Emma Greene, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026

Choose soft, warm lighting for a relaxing ambiance. —Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 5 Jan. 2026

Creating a relaxing sleep environment is one of the most effective ways to support healthy sleep and preserve cognitive function. —Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 11 Nov. 2025

The images, never meant for public view, showed officers eating fruit, decorating Christmas trees, singing, relaxing with their dogs. —Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2025

Take a warm shower and engage in relaxing activities before bed, such as reading. —Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025