relax

verb

ri-ˈlaks How to pronounce relax (audio)
Definition of relaxnext
1
as in to unwind
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety she took deep breaths to relax before going on stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to loosen
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 to bask
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 relax Where Jović tightened as the match went on, after the energy of claiming an up-and-down first set, Pegula relaxed and trusted her game. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 July 2026 From adults-only pools to tranquil spas, these luxury resorts offer relaxing escapes tailored to travelers over 50. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 7 July 2026 Cable and telecom lobby groups submitted comments supporting the FCC plan to eliminate or relax various requirements. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026 Protected from the oppressive sun outside, anyone enjoying a tour inside Raccoon Mountain can expect to fully exhale, relax, and enjoy the cool breezes while touring a gorgeous natural resource lit from within by a knowledgeable guide. — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for relax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax
  1. chill
  2. loosen
  3. bask
  4. unwind
  5. rest
  6. decompress
  7. wind down
  8. chill out
Verb
  • These can be made into a wafer shape as well by shaping the dough into logs and chilling it before making 1/4-inch-thick slices.
    — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
  • After cooling, place toothpicks around perimeter of custard, then cover with plastic wrap (don’t let plastic touch custard) and keep chilled.
    — Rachel Dolfi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 2026
Definition of chill
Verb
  • Matching trousers stayed narrow through the hips before loosening down the leg into a slight flare.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
  • As summer arrives, snow begins melting, ice hardens and rocks loosen, increasing the risk of falls and rockfall.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of loosen
Verb
  • So there’s no better time than right now to cut off the screens and the urban gray noise, and bask in a show that’s been going on for billions of years.
    — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
  • As noted in archive news reports, Chicagoans weren't basking in air conditioning during the heat wave in 1955.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of bask
Verb
  • Congress should fully unwind the settlement as quickly as possible and then ensure that similar presidential self-dealing can't be attempted again.
    — Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Emirates is giving you a new luxe space to unwind ahead of your time in the skies.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 June 2026
Definition of unwind
Verb
  • Allow the ribs to rest at room temperature while preparing the smoker.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Norway, which rested starter and fan-favorite Erling Haaland for its group play finale against France on Friday, June 26, is looking to reach the Round of 16 for the first time since 1998.
    — Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of rest
Verb
  • Desirable aromatherapy scents include lavender that can help decompress, marjoram that targets the nervous system and neroli for reducing stress.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
  • The previous phases decompress, mobilize and activate individual areas; this one integrates all of those aspects into coordinated, whole-body functional movement.
    — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Definition of decompress
Verb
  • Almost two weeks after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, most international rescue teams have either left or are winding down operations.
    — Catherine Ellis, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
  • Iceco is winding down a VL45 Plus Kickstarter campaign this week.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of wind down
Verb
  • The beds are large and comfy, and the rooms have plenty of space for chilling out after a long day.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 16 June 2026
  • Picturesque lake towns like Greenville and Naples are ideal destinations for water sports, boating adventures, or just chilling out on sandy shores.
    — Erinne Magee, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026
Definition of chill out

Browse Nearby Words

relaunching
relax
relaxant
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Cite this Entry

“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relax. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on relax

Nglish: Translation of relax for Spanish Speakers

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