DECOMPRESS Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

decompress

verb

ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres

as in to relax

to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety after she gets home from work, she needs some time to decompress before preparing dinner

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 decompress Plans may shift and motivation may waver, so use this time to take a step back, decompress and let the day settle. —

Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 Free and Cozy Spots to Recharge When the budget is a factor or everyone just needs to decompress, head to the Seattle Public Library’s Central Branch. —

Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026 Sitting in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber provides time to decompress. —

Matt Fuchs, Time, 20 Apr. 2026 Dreyer, desperate for a moment of peace, decided to hop in the shower before dinner to decompress. —

Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decompress

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompress

relax

Verb

Indigenous peoples in the area have been coming there for 1000s of years to soak and take advantage of the waters, and so there’s been a hotel or some manner of resort there since the late eighteen hundreds, welcoming people to come and take the waters and relax and enjoy.

— AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 15 May 2026
In Finland, some of the most sincere and open conversations happen inside and between sauna sessions, when everyone is relaxed and stripped of egos, titles and status.

— Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026