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)
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
Guests can witness the eclipse surrounded by mountains and immersed in pristine Icelandic nature, from the comfort of the lodge's private Spa House, relaxing in the sauna, hot and cold tubs, with lakeside views as the Moon's shadow passes overhead.
—
Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
In a video posted on July 17, with 897 likes, Quintana relaxes on the couch with her young son and their pet cat.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
One of the elements he’s been working on is relaxing to close races.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
For those looking to cool off north of Los Angeles, Hurricane Harbor, adjacent to Six Flags Magic Mountain, offers something for everyone, including water slides, relaxing lazy rivers, and kid-friendly play areas for the little fish.
—Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for relax
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
In a video posted on July 17, with 897 likes, Quintana relaxes on the couch with her young son and their pet cat.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
One of the elements he’s been working on is relaxing to close races.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
For those looking to cool off north of Los Angeles, Hurricane Harbor, adjacent to Six Flags Magic Mountain, offers something for everyone, including water slides, relaxing lazy rivers, and kid-friendly play areas for the little fish.
—Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for relax
Cite this Entry
“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relax. Accessed 5 Aug. 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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