relaxed; relaxing; relaxes
1
: to make less tense or rigid : slacken
relaxed his grip
2
: to make less severe or stringent : modify
relax immigration laws
3
: to deprive of energy, zeal, or strength of purpose
4
: to relieve from nervous tension
5
: to treat (hair) chemically in order to relax curls
1
: to become lax, weak, or loose : rest
2
: to become less intense or severe
hoped the committee would relax in its opposition
3
of a muscle or muscle fiber
: to become inactive and lengthen
4
: to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety
couldn't relax in crowds
5
: to seek rest or recreation
relax at the seashore
6
: to relieve constipation
7
: to attain equilibrium following the abrupt removal of some influence (such as light, high temperature, or stress)
Synonyms
Examples of relax in a Sentence
The muscles in my neck and shoulders should relax after a nice hot shower.
A hot shower relaxed the tight muscles in my neck and shoulders.
I can't relax with all this noise!
Just relax, there's nothing to worry about.
Try to relax and enjoy the ride.
Recent Examples on the Web
Poses that stretch the area around the sciatica nerve, such as those that stretch the glutes or piriformis, or butt muscles, can help relax tense muscles that may cause more sciatic nerve pain.
—
Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025
These drugs help treat high blood pressure by blocking calcium to help relax blood vessels.8
Because magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, taking magnesium supplements along with calcium channel blocker drugs may cause your blood pressure to drop too low.
—Ashley Wong, Health, 3 Feb. 2025
Enjoy the views across the Catawba Valley from the base of Dragon’s Tooth or climb to the top of the distinctive outcrop for scenic panoramas.
12 of 20
Cape Charles
Set on the southern tip of the peninsula known as Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Cape Charles boasts relaxing vibes and small town appeal.
—Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 2 Feb. 2025
That makes seeing them from warm, relaxing geothermal hot springs an extra-cozy approach to aurora viewing.
—Jamie Davis Smith, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for relax 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025
These drugs help treat high blood pressure by blocking calcium to help relax blood vessels.8
Because magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, taking magnesium supplements along with calcium channel blocker drugs may cause your blood pressure to drop too low.
—Ashley Wong, Health, 3 Feb. 2025
Enjoy the views across the Catawba Valley from the base of Dragon’s Tooth or climb to the top of the distinctive outcrop for scenic panoramas.
12 of 20
Cape Charles
Set on the southern tip of the peninsula known as Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Cape Charles boasts relaxing vibes and small town appeal.
—Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 2 Feb. 2025
That makes seeing them from warm, relaxing geothermal hot springs an extra-cozy approach to aurora viewing.
—Jamie Davis Smith, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for relax
Dictionary Entries Near relax
Cite this Entry
“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relax. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
relax
verb
re·lax
ri-ˈlaks 
1
: to make or become loose or less tense
relaxed my attention
2
: to make or become less severe or strict
relax discipline
3
: to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
couldn't relax in crowds
4
: to rest or enjoy oneself away from one's usual duties
relaxed at the beach
relaxer
noun
Medical Definition
relax
transitive verb
re·lax
ri-ˈlaks
1
: to slacken or make less tense or rigid
alternately contracting and relaxing their muscles
2
: to relieve from nervous tension
3
: to relieve from constipation
medications to relax the bowels
1
of a muscle or muscle fiber
: to return to an inactive or resting state
especially
: to become inactive and lengthen
2
: to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety
couldn't relax in crowds
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