as in relaxation
freedom from activity or labor
the waitstaff gets a welcome period of decompression between the lunch and dinner rushes
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Recent Examples of decompression
Recovery teams explored two of the three chambers on Friday, but the search was limited due to considerations over oxygen and decompression.
—
CBS News, 18 May 2026
Rescue teams explored two chambers Friday but were forced to stop because of decompression risks.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
Each rescue dive is limited to around three hours due to oxygen and decompression requirements, Shareef said.
—Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
Still, there have been bright spots, particularly Sánchez’s emergence from a tough start at Wrigley Field two weeks ago all the better and Zack Wheeler’s solid appearance in his three starts back after thoracic outlet decompression surgery.
—Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 10 May 2026
Yoga classes teach ways to keep the decompression going at home, and guests can swing away at the adjoining golf course.
—Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026
Cascading system failures would lead to a race against time to seal compartments and preserve breathable air, though decompression would often happen too quickly for the crew to react.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 May 2026
The right-hander returned from thoracic outlet decompression surgery after a blood clot was discovered in his pitching shoulder last season.
—ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Especially for a guy who had a second Tommy John elbow surgery in August 2023, then at the end of a healthy 2025 spring was sidelined by an odd left arm nerve issue that required an August decompression procedure to address.
—Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
CBS News, 18 May 2026
Rescue teams explored two chambers Friday but were forced to stop because of decompression risks.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
Each rescue dive is limited to around three hours due to oxygen and decompression requirements, Shareef said.
—Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
Still, there have been bright spots, particularly Sánchez’s emergence from a tough start at Wrigley Field two weeks ago all the better and Zack Wheeler’s solid appearance in his three starts back after thoracic outlet decompression surgery.
—Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 10 May 2026
Yoga classes teach ways to keep the decompression going at home, and guests can swing away at the adjoining golf course.
—Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026
Cascading system failures would lead to a race against time to seal compartments and preserve breathable air, though decompression would often happen too quickly for the crew to react.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 May 2026
The right-hander returned from thoracic outlet decompression surgery after a blood clot was discovered in his pitching shoulder last season.
—ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Especially for a guy who had a second Tommy John elbow surgery in August 2023, then at the end of a healthy 2025 spring was sidelined by an odd left arm nerve issue that required an August decompression procedure to address.
—Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompression
Noun
-
Take a cleansing breath in the sauna, steam room, and relaxation lounges stocked with herbal tea and snacks.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
This allows the brain to shift out of constant decision-making mode and into relaxation mode.—
Judy Koutsky,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
It’s not calculated to put anxious writers’ minds at rest—most of us already live in fear that our flimsy characters will be exposed through our work.—
David O’Neill,
New Yorker,
20 May 2026
-
Instead of eating it immediately after preparing it, letting bean salad rest in the refrigerator allows the flavors to deepen and develop.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decompression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompression. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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