WIND DOWN Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

wind down

verb

Definition of wind down

as in to relax

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

tense (up)

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 wind down When dinner winds down, the energy shifts toward the many sides of Las Vegas nightlife, with live music, headline shows, and the casino all within reach. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2026 As the talk wound down, the party outside the Louis XIII was in full swing. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026 Walk through where things are and what’s off-limits, demonstrate the remotes and any special gear and say the quiet parts out loud before the first evening winds down. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 When the United States wound down its aid to Ukraine in 2025, European governments made up most of the shortfall and have since committed to financing Kyiv’s war effort through 2027. — Claas Mertens, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wind down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wind down

Verb

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

Definition of relax

Verb

Almost exactly one year ago, fans of superstar singer Taylor Swift made a public plea for fans to chill out and stop staring into the Arrowhead Stadium suite owned by Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026
For fans trying to stomach a brutal 2-0 series deficit, a free Budweiser stand was on hand at Wednesday’s game to help the faithful chill out and take the edge off before first pitch.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of chill out

Browse Nearby Words

windbreaks

wind down

windfall

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Wind down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wind%20down. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of wind down

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

milieu

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes