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

My nail tech, Michelle, was extremely patient and accommodating throughout the process, and the entire experience was genuinely relaxing. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

The property’s highlight is the infinity pool, the ideal spot to spend a relaxing afternoon. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026

These people are obviously crazy relaxing and being jovial like this. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026

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

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

Verb

At a little under two feet, the can’t-miss fixture spreads a warm light that creates a welcoming atmosphere for reading, relaxing, or sharing drinks without harsh overhead lighting or a spindly, corner-lurking, fluorescent presence. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026

Julie Huntsinger has spent two decades as the guardian of the Telluride Film Festival — a jewel box of off-duty movie stars and power players relaxing in the mountains and a consequential launchpad for the fall awards season. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

With the arrival of the Michelin Guide into Fort Lauderdale in 2025 and openings of more upscale dining experiences, a neighborhood favorite like Wan’s is a relaxing respite from high prices. — Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026

Elsewhere on the grounds, formal and informal salas provide ample space for dining and relaxing, with meals prepared by a private chef. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026

The dreamy setting is an ideal spot to drop anchor for a relaxing swim, snorkel, and linger over a bottle of local wine under umbrella pine trees buzzing with cicadas. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026

Instead, work on relaxing activities to slow down, like showering and reading a story. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

The casual gray pants and coordinating short-sleeve top create a transitional outfit that works for traveling, relaxing at home, and even grabbing coffee during a morning walk. — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026

Mind-body practices can be relaxing and help reduce fatigue for people with cancer. — Joy Emeh, HEALTH, 22 Aug. 2026