RELAXING Synonyms: 135 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

relaxing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of relax

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

tensing (up)

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

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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of relaxing

Adjective

In general, the reduction of decision-making to easy choices was, for me, possibly the most relaxing element of all. — Kate Berlant, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 Expansive exterior decks and a generous flybridge create space for entertaining, relaxing, or even exercising in the great outdoors. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026 Tushy Fresh Dual-Nozzle Bidet Offering easy installation, this bidet with a no-frills interface has some relaxing perks (including a heated water option) without too many extra knobs and levers. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026 If your idea of a relaxing fall weekend does not involve joining everybody else in America at the Smokies, Bowron also offered a more under-the-radar option. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026 In fact, according to a ranking from vape retailer Vape and Go, Tallinn, Estonia, is Europe’s most relaxing metro for travelers in 2026. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Sep. 2026 Few things are more relaxing than enjoying the outdoors in a rocking chair (doing that with a side of leaf peeping just puts a cherry on top). — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026 What should be a relaxing weekend quickly veers off course as Chuck inserts himself into the group and tests the limits of their patience. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026 Common Mistakes Deadheading can be a relaxing task, but don’t overdo it. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026

Verb

No wonder Dad had been terrified of making a mistake, of relaxing or trusting others enough to let his guard down. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 If school is the equivalent of work, then surely time at home is for relaxing after work. — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026 The following day, restorative massages in the hotel’s spa, Umari, were followed with relaxing strolls through the enchanting walled city. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026 Each has an ofuro tub, steam shower, infrared sauna, relaxing area to take tea and fruit after a treatment, and an outside garden area with a plunge pool and an outdoor shower. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026 In one photo, Hudson showed off her toned figure in a bright red bandeau bikini while relaxing on the beach with her fiancé, Danny Fujikawa. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The therapy relevant here focuses on relaxing the muscles, not strengthening them, which is the opposite of what most patients associate with pelvic floor work. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2026 The layout is geared toward indoor-outdoor living, with ample space for relaxing and entertaining across four decks. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026 The older victim was relaxing outside, smoking a cigar, when he was shot, his father, Clarence Gaines, told The News. — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxing

Adjective

The recipe calls for plenty of seaweed, rich in nourishing minerals, and is deeply soothing and hydrating.

— Trinity Mouzon Wofford, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
Cool lighting can appear brighter and attention-grabbing, but warm lighting is more soothing on the eyes.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of soothing

Verb

This is constantly fed by high-velocity air rammed through massive side intakes, directly chilling the cooling fluid.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
Let sit at least 10 minutes or cover and chill up to 8 hours (no need to bring to room temperature before cooking if chilling).

— Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of chilling

Verb

Research suggests nasal breathing may lower the likelihood of developing allergies, and preliminary studies link resting nasal breathing to lower blood pressure than mouth breathing.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
Danyl Bosomworth, founder of ice bath brand Brass Monkey, told The Independent that women tend to carry a higher body fat percentage, a smaller body surface area to volume ratio and a lower resting metabolic rate.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of resting

Adjective

The meals here strike a strong balance between comforting and elevated, and all ingredients are locally sourced.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
In a city where change is constant — especially in the food and beverage scene — Charlotte’s classic restaurants are among the most beloved places to gather with family and friends or stop in for a comforting bite to eat.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of comforting

Verb

While Usher was off basking in the afterglow of Confessions, maturing into a divorcé in the mid-2000s, the R&B world was already priming itself for a new-school successor.

— Clover Hope, Pitchfork, 25 Oct. 2026
The San Francisco 49ers were still basking in the glow of an exhilarating road win against division rival Seattle that extended their perfect start to the season when Christian McCaffrey offered a word of caution.

— CBS News, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of basking

Adjective

The calming, tone-on-tone abstract paintings upstairs and downstairs are by the British painter Susan Gunn.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
While tree hugging isn’t typically my thing, the experience was unexpectedly grounding and deeply calming.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of calming

Browse Nearby Words

relaxes

relaxing

relay

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Style

“Relaxing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relaxing. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of relaxing

adjective

verb

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