as in soothing
tending to calm the emotions and relieve stress
a relaxing cup of chamomile tea
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of relaxing
Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
Long flights feel noticeably more relaxing with somewhere to prop up tired feet.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
With its white adobe walls, 39 guest rooms, pool, and recent renovations, Indian Lodge offers a relaxing, secluded stay tucked into Keesey Canyon 5,200 feet above sea level.
—Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
Have a Cup of Herbal Tea Sipping a caffeine-free herbal tea in the evening can be a relaxing ritual.
—Rena Goldman, Health, 7 June 2026
Few things are more relaxing than slipping into a bubbly hot tub — being able to do it every night in the comfort of your own backyard would be pure bliss.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Caesars Beach Club is decorated in soft neutral colors and natural teak to help create a relaxing day—or night—at the beach.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Velvet curtains flank the floor-to-ceiling windows for some earthy contrast, while a long sectional sofa invites you to spend a relaxing night sprawled out in front of the TV.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2026
Serving as another integral room of your home, keeping your living room clutter-free is crucial for creating a relaxing atmosphere.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 28 May 2026
Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
Cannabis beverages are one of the industry's fastest-growing categories, attracting consumers looking for relaxing alternatives to alcohol.
—Peter Su, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Fresh from morning workouts, relaxing in their airy kitchen overlooking the ocean, the Johnsons describe how their coastal retreat came to be.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
Forever fabrics like crisp European linen and the softest cashmere imaginable rank high on my list of favorites, and my top picks are suitable for a season full of plans (relaxing included), and also great for travel.
—Tanya Sharma, InStyle, 12 June 2026
For a relaxing getaway near the action, Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg is one of our World’s Best Awards winners.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026
Orange blossom Similar to lemon verbena, orange blossom is calming, antispasmodic (relaxing the muscles in the walls of your internal organs), and anti-nausea.
—Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 June 2026
There’s also plenty of time for relaxing poolside and browsing boutiques built into the schedule.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 6 June 2026
Mid-Century Stereo Equipment Records have made a major comeback, and flipping through a stack of vinyl to reminisce is relaxing.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 5 June 2026
Adjective
Scape Park has exciting outdoor activities and points of interests to explore, such as zip lines, cenotes, and caverns, while El Dorado Water Park is the epitome of aquatic fun with more than 20 attractions, from high-speed slides to a relaxing wave pool, ideal for the whole family.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
Long flights feel noticeably more relaxing with somewhere to prop up tired feet.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
With its white adobe walls, 39 guest rooms, pool, and recent renovations, Indian Lodge offers a relaxing, secluded stay tucked into Keesey Canyon 5,200 feet above sea level.
—Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
Have a Cup of Herbal Tea Sipping a caffeine-free herbal tea in the evening can be a relaxing ritual.
—Rena Goldman, Health, 7 June 2026
Few things are more relaxing than slipping into a bubbly hot tub — being able to do it every night in the comfort of your own backyard would be pure bliss.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Caesars Beach Club is decorated in soft neutral colors and natural teak to help create a relaxing day—or night—at the beach.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Velvet curtains flank the floor-to-ceiling windows for some earthy contrast, while a long sectional sofa invites you to spend a relaxing night sprawled out in front of the TV.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2026
Serving as another integral room of your home, keeping your living room clutter-free is crucial for creating a relaxing atmosphere.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 28 May 2026
Verb
Lacoo Zero Gravity Chairs, Set of 2 Transform your outdoor area into a relaxing retreat with these ergonomic lounge chairs.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
Cannabis beverages are one of the industry's fastest-growing categories, attracting consumers looking for relaxing alternatives to alcohol.
—Peter Su, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Fresh from morning workouts, relaxing in their airy kitchen overlooking the ocean, the Johnsons describe how their coastal retreat came to be.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
Forever fabrics like crisp European linen and the softest cashmere imaginable rank high on my list of favorites, and my top picks are suitable for a season full of plans (relaxing included), and also great for travel.
—Tanya Sharma, InStyle, 12 June 2026
For a relaxing getaway near the action, Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg is one of our World’s Best Awards winners.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026
Orange blossom Similar to lemon verbena, orange blossom is calming, antispasmodic (relaxing the muscles in the walls of your internal organs), and anti-nausea.
—Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 June 2026
There’s also plenty of time for relaxing poolside and browsing boutiques built into the schedule.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 6 June 2026
Mid-Century Stereo Equipment Records have made a major comeback, and flipping through a stack of vinyl to reminisce is relaxing.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 5 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxing
Adjective
-
The set comes in over 10 colors, including a summer-ready coral and soothing sage green.—
Better Homes & Gardens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 June 2026
-
There’s a cosmic irony in referencing Yoshimura, whose soothing compositions were famously commissioned to accompany showrooms for model homes in Japan in the 1980s and have since become synonymous with domestic comfort.—
Harry Thorfinn-George,
Pitchfork,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
After chilling, the graham crackers soften for easy slicing.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
8 June 2026
-
The initiative risks further chilling negotiations on a truce extension, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and paving the way for more detailed talks over Iran’s nuclear program.—
Jennifer A. Dlouhy,
Fortune,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Environmental advocates say Pines demonstrates the potential consequences of loosening coal ash rules.—
Christiana Freitag,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2026
-
Apply around the seam, wait up to an hour, and then try loosening the bolt.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
The movie ends with a shot of the girls sitting by the pool, with Sonya’s head resting on Coley’s shoulder.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
19 June 2026
-
The pieces can be separated to create extra resting space during meal prep or repurposed as vessels for nuts or olives at your next happy hour.—
Mina Dragani,
Architectural Digest,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
Let your senses guide wise spending, and favor one durable tool that makes your routine feel comforting while still keeping you productive.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
Autumn brings crisp air, colorful foliage in the forests and arboretums, roaring fires, and comforting, warming dishes.—
Lindsay Cohn,
Travel + Leisure,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Its skylight en-suite with a sauna opens out to a discreet patio with a hot tub for unwinding.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
-
Suites and villas lean rustic-luxe, with dark woods, stone accents, and oversized soaking tubs perfect for unwinding after a long day of wildlife spotting.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Pulse Picks The Knicks are still basking in their title, but oddsmakers aren’t so sure about their chances next year.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
Instead, the vibe was one of just basking in the summer sun and the world’s game.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
It’s often been reported that Kate Middleton is a calming influence over the heir to the throne, Prince William.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
16 June 2026
-
While the lobby areas and restaurants lean into the playful side of a contemporary art hotel, the rooms are more calming with neutral tones and the continuation of the lobby’s black marble in the credenzas and nightstands.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relaxing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relaxing. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
