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

Last month, the sisters were spotted enjoying a relaxing day out on a yacht in Italy to mark Antonia’s 55th birthday. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 3 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

The hot tub has 13 jets that create a spa-like experience at home, plus multicolor underwater LED lights that set the mood for a relaxing evening. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026

Why The Amalfi Coast Works For Multi-Gen Travel 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

View gallery - 6 images Cooking outdoors is often the least relaxing part of camping, even for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 24 July 2026

Perez’s home run lifted the stadium from a relaxing afternoon at the ballpark into roaring applause. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

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

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

Verb

Potassium helps lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessel walls and helping the body clear out excess sodium. — Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 2026

The South is rich in relaxing beach towns, but, according to Michael Linder, general manager of The Mills House in Charleston, there’s one in particular that stands out. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026

The Kea Lani also offers customized health and wellness coaching, sound healing immersion and relaxing yoga sessions using aromatherapy, reiki healing and restorative movement. — Ben Davidson, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026

On August 2, the actress snapped a selfie of herself and Martin relaxing together on a comfortable looking lounge, the Oscar winner in a tiny gingham bikini and oversized sunglasses. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026

In addition to relaxing on the boat, the celebrity besties were also photographed taking a dip in the ocean and engaging in water sports. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau crack open some drinks while relaxing in Saint-Tropez, France on July 30. — People Staff, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 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

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