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

The couple, along with their daughter Harper and their son Romeo, have been enjoying a relaxing trip around Europe this summer. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026

Starfish Manor Starfish Manor has everything grown-ups need for a relaxing, kid-free seaside stay, from Pacific-view rooms to beach access for romantic strolls on the sand. — Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026

This hotel is worth it for the wonderfully relaxing vibes, stellar service, and top notch spa experiences. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026

Cozy enough for a relaxing Sunday dinner, yet special enough for entertaining. — Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 12 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

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

Verb

Pair your time in the pool with relaxing massages and facials, the former with organic oils scented with herbs and flowers from the island, and the latter with products from Rowse, the natural and cruelty-free cosmetics brand. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Gliding swings use a gentle gliding motion for relaxing your baby. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Alas, for this young man and his fellow New Yorkers of color, especially for New Yorkers living in low income neighborhoods, their time of relaxing in the Big Apple was short lived. — Robert Gangi, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026

Summer might be synonymous with beach trips and sandy feet, but as anyone who prefers fresh water will tell you, a lake getaway can be just as relaxing. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026

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

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