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

Optics expert, Jase Parnell-Brookes, gave them four stars in their full Canon 18x50 binoculars review for enabling a relaxing and impressive session of stargazing. — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 20 July 2026

Skip visually abrasive color palettes that don’t feel calming or relaxing. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 20 July 2026

Rain barrels fall into the same category; they, too, can be hidden and concealed to maintain curb appeal and create a relaxing outdoor oasis. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2026

Surrounding the entire park in a huge loop is the Disneyland Railroad, which is both a relaxing ride and an easy way to get from one end of the park to the other. — Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Now the home of Marcus and Katherine Padgett, the Old Grace Lutheran Church will be open for a relaxing evening with the duo Kendra Grittani and Allie Simpson. — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Inferno is immersive and psychedelic but not necessarily in the relaxing way the words usually convey. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026

Kate Hudson enjoyed a relaxing beach day with her kids, 7-year-old Rani and 14-year-old Bingham, in Athens, Greece. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 2 July 2026

Patio lights Having warm and inviting outdoor lighting can help set a relaxing evening mood. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 June 2026

Verb

Pascal, 51, kept things casual in a purple T-shirt and matching shorts while relaxing on the yacht. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

There is absolutely no wellspring of untapped energy in the country in favor of relaxing gun laws. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026

The hotel’s adults-only status and location tucked into Wailea’s hillside work in tandem to create a serene, relaxing atmosphere. — Ronee Uyeshiro, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026

For lounging at home, the best sets should seamlessly transition from relaxing on the sofa to cozy nights in bed. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 26 July 2026

The Amalfi Coast has many characters – relaxing, romantic, adventurous – and with that comes something for every age. — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Fresh on the heels of her 34th birthday, Selena Gomez spent some time relaxing under the Italian sun. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 24 July 2026

For honeymooners seeking a relaxing post-wedding respite or duos in need of a quick getaway, the property's cozy cabins overlooking the Shenandoah Valley are the answer. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2026

Larry the Cat, who has lived at 10 Downing Street for the last 15 years, has been spotted relaxing this morning, seemingly unfazed by all the media gathered outside. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026