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.
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Recent Examples of relaxing
Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 8 Apr. 2026
This left zero time for serendipity — or just plain relaxing.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 8 Apr. 2026
Few things can ruin a relaxing afternoon outdoors faster than an uninvited wasp buzzing around your head.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
The cocooning effect is helped along by Jacques Garcia’s interiors, layered with taupes and burgundies, velvet and lacquer (and some 6,000 meters of damask silk thrown in the mix), into a hideaway that’s both ornate and relaxing.
—Lindsey Tramuta, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2026
After consistently using these tips, hopefully, your household chores will become less daunting and more relaxing.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2026
To create a relaxing, timeless home rather than a viral hit.
—Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 31 Mar. 2026
Luna Island is a unique spot to visit situated between the American and Bridal Veil Falls, while the Three Sisters Islands have calmer, more relaxing views of the river.
—Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, some of the least stressed states may offer clues for those seeking a more relaxing getaway.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
The bill currently proposes relaxing pesticide labeling rules and the potential preemption of states suing big agrochemical companies in cases related to carcinogenic paraquat and glyphosate.
—Thomas Heaton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
For many, a relaxing soak in the tub isn’t complete without a bath bomb.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026
Little agreed, and voiced worries in his veto about how relaxing state rules on the number of children at a day care could lead to unintended consequences.
—Kevin Fixler
april 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 2026
The cover of the album shows Moore in such a scene, relaxing in his grandparents’ garage.
—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
The primary bedroom reflects this exact aesthetic, along with the relaxing bathroom which features a soaking tub.
—Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026
Lake towns might be commonly associated with summer, relaxing vacations, and second homes, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026
The sound of trickling water is relaxing, and the decorative look of the fountain is just as pleasing.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
This is supposed to be a relaxing hobby!
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 8 Apr. 2026
This left zero time for serendipity — or just plain relaxing.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 8 Apr. 2026
Few things can ruin a relaxing afternoon outdoors faster than an uninvited wasp buzzing around your head.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
The cocooning effect is helped along by Jacques Garcia’s interiors, layered with taupes and burgundies, velvet and lacquer (and some 6,000 meters of damask silk thrown in the mix), into a hideaway that’s both ornate and relaxing.
—Lindsey Tramuta, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2026
After consistently using these tips, hopefully, your household chores will become less daunting and more relaxing.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2026
To create a relaxing, timeless home rather than a viral hit.
—Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 31 Mar. 2026
Luna Island is a unique spot to visit situated between the American and Bridal Veil Falls, while the Three Sisters Islands have calmer, more relaxing views of the river.
—Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, some of the least stressed states may offer clues for those seeking a more relaxing getaway.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
Some of the showers come with aromatherapy pods that can be attached to the nozzles, for a relaxing sensory experience.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
The bill currently proposes relaxing pesticide labeling rules and the potential preemption of states suing big agrochemical companies in cases related to carcinogenic paraquat and glyphosate.
—Thomas Heaton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
For many, a relaxing soak in the tub isn’t complete without a bath bomb.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026
Little agreed, and voiced worries in his veto about how relaxing state rules on the number of children at a day care could lead to unintended consequences.
—Kevin Fixler
april 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 2026
The cover of the album shows Moore in such a scene, relaxing in his grandparents’ garage.
—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
The primary bedroom reflects this exact aesthetic, along with the relaxing bathroom which features a soaking tub.
—Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026
Lake towns might be commonly associated with summer, relaxing vacations, and second homes, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026
The sound of trickling water is relaxing, and the decorative look of the fountain is just as pleasing.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxing
Adjective
-
Spray dry toilet paper with cleansing, soothing and refreshing Pristine to create an instant wet wipe that is actually flushable and safe for your sewer and septic systems.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The final stretch, though, was less soothing as Plourde nudged ahead to stay.—
Glae Thien,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As for the 33,193 fans who sat through this bone-chilling night, most of them went home happy.—
Steve Buckley,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Authorities have not identified a suspect or motive, though the FBI released chilling doorbell camera video of an armed and masked man outside Nancy Guthrie’s home on the morning she was reported missing.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In a bid to cope with the fallout of the energy shock, governments around the world have been quick to impose measures from fuel export bans to loosening refining standards.—
Michael Considine,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
-
All five vessels were bulk carriers, and none were oil and gas tankers, MarineTraffic reported — raising questions about whether Iran is actually loosening its stranglehold on the crucial commercial waterway.—
Katherine Doyle,
NBC news,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Matise is certainly not resting on his laurels after a big junior season, either.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Apr. 2026
-
But a particularly high level of juice or consequences resting on this one.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Made for unwinding, dreaming and everything in between, this 100% organic cotton sleepwear is crafted from naturally soft, breathable fabric that keeps you comfortable all night long.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
That Medicaid unwinding process didn't go well in many states, and more than 25 million lost their benefits.—
Sam Whitehead,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Some of the kinder ones would give a Christmas tip if the apprentices did a good job cleaning their boots but others, basking in the new money of the Premier League, preferred to peacock.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Following news that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star's husband, Jordan Ngatikaura, had filed for divorce, Draper is basking in her new relationship status.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Certain low-grade forms of depression can be easy to embrace, as familiar and comforting as an old friend.—
Joshua Minsoo Kim,
Pitchfork,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The biscuit topping makes this chicken pot pie extra comforting and satisfying.—
Phoebe Evans,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Viewers play them while sleeping, studying, meditating or just decompressing.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
-
But sound healing is more than just decompressing.—
Britt Julious,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relaxing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relaxing. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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