as in relaxing
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
not being one for alcoholic beverages, I prefer to wind down with a cup of tea every night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 winding down
Democrats and Republicans can't agree on ICE Despite news Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, will be winding down operations in Minnesota, lawmakers are at odds over its funding.
—
Zachary Schermele, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
For many people, dessert is a nightly ritual—something sweet after dinner to signal the day is winding down.
—Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2026
This shift is so total that Tesla is winding down production of its veteran Model S and Model X vehicles to repurpose its California factory for the mass production of Optimus humanoid robots.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
Allen has emphasized that winding down her brother’s $20 billion-plus estate could take years, maybe decades.
—Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The rain is expected to begin winding down Thursday night as the storm system moves on.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
Martin University, Indiana's only predominantly Black higher-education institution, is winding down operations and selling off assets after financial issues forced its leaders to pause classes indefinitely starting this year.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 6 Jan. 2026
It’s designed to teach life skills through music, from trying new veggies to winding down for bed, with songs and content that have become a go-to resource for millions of parents looking to learn and bond with their children.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
The growing season may be winding down for the year, but that doesn’t mean that planting time is through.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025
Zachary Schermele, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
For many people, dessert is a nightly ritual—something sweet after dinner to signal the day is winding down.
—Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2026
This shift is so total that Tesla is winding down production of its veteran Model S and Model X vehicles to repurpose its California factory for the mass production of Optimus humanoid robots.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
Allen has emphasized that winding down her brother’s $20 billion-plus estate could take years, maybe decades.
—Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The rain is expected to begin winding down Thursday night as the storm system moves on.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
Martin University, Indiana's only predominantly Black higher-education institution, is winding down operations and selling off assets after financial issues forced its leaders to pause classes indefinitely starting this year.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 6 Jan. 2026
It’s designed to teach life skills through music, from trying new veggies to winding down for bed, with songs and content that have become a go-to resource for millions of parents looking to learn and bond with their children.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
The growing season may be winding down for the year, but that doesn’t mean that planting time is through.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for winding down
Verb
-
The food is also elevated a bit from the typical Mexican fare, making Perro Salado a great place for a date night, relaxing group dinner or anything in between.—
Will Richmond,
The Providence Journal,
14 Feb. 2026
-
What does relaxing look like for an Olympic speedskater?—
Sean Nevin,
NBC news,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Part of that is loosening up streamers’ bids for lengthy contract terms on series, potentially in exchange for less money.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
If holiday burnout has you in the mood for rest and relaxation, the star advises taking a break to enjoy one of her favorite holiday traditions—chilling out at home with the family.—
Essence,
Essence,
15 Dec. 2025
-
As the moon and Venus connect, chilling out doesn’t have to be a snooze-fest.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Winding down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/winding%20down. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
