1
as in relaxation
freedom from activity or labor
the coming weekend will provide some much needed rest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in resting
a natural periodic loss of consciousness during which the body restores itself
after a long day, I lay down on the couch for a little rest before dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in remainder
a remaining group or portion
can you hand me the rest of those papers?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to relax
to refrain from labor or exertion
a beach resort that caters to gung ho exercisers and athletes as well as vacationers who just want to rest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to sleep
to be in a state of sleep
the patient is currently resting, but as soon as he awakes, I'll tell him you called
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 rest
Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Advertisement The next time a public figure makes a mockery of ballet, rest assured that ballet will bite back.
—Chloe Angyal, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
Ayana Archie, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026
Best fell forward onto the ground and dropped the gun, which came to rest near the right rear tire of a Subaru Forester, according to Prescott.
—Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rest
Noun
If immigrants were found to have an active case of tuberculosis, they were sent to the island’s quarantine station so they could be treated with a strict regiment of isolation, fresh air and extensive rest until doctors cleared them, according to the CDC.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Advertisement The next time a public figure makes a mockery of ballet, rest assured that ballet will bite back.
—Chloe Angyal, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
During layovers, the birds will rest and eat.
—Ayana Archie, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026
Best fell forward onto the ground and dropped the gun, which came to rest near the right rear tire of a Subaru Forester, according to Prescott.
—Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rest
Verb
-
Chamomile Tea Chamomile tea is soothing and helps relax the gut muscles, relieving bloating.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Additionally, 8 different parks line the perimeter of the lake, including beaches for sunbathing or relaxing with a good book and campsite spots.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
And if the evidence eventually shows the Americans had nothing to do with this, some of us will sleep better.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
-
While Orlando leads the rankings for green spaces across the globe, don't sleep on other major cities.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Mar. 2026
-
This year’s exercises take place after local media have reported the potential redeployment of US assets in the region to the Middle East, including Patriot missile defense batteries currently based in South Korea.—
Soo-hyang Choi,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Meanwhile, some people are just basking in the meme moment.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Best Hotels & Restaurants La Valise Tulum Fall asleep under the stars at La Valise Tulum, known for its breathtaking second-floor master suite with a king-sized bed that rolls out onto the terrace, allowing guests to bask under the Milky Way.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rest. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
