1
as in resting
to refrain from labor or exertion
I plan to spend the day kicking back and watching television
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hanging (around or out)
to spend time doing nothing
a good resort for people who want to kick back and watch others exercise strenuously
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kicking back
Instead, the board opts for the happy-go-lucky concert attendee kicking back a beer or two as its foil to scary THC use.
—
Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
There’s nothing wrong with spending your vacation at the beach, on a shopping spree in Paris or New York, or kicking back at a fishing cabin.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
And while a little luxury is always welcome, at its heart, Belize’s appeal lies in slowing down, kicking back, and enjoying simple pleasures, cocooned in nature.
—Gemma Price, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025
Expect appearances from local brewers, live music, games and food – plus lots of funnily dressed dogs kicking back after their big show.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
The Daily Dividend Earnings season is kicking back into high gear.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
The Book Club films that allowed audiences one last chance to savor this delightful movie star kicking back and letting her charisma carry a picture.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
In addition to all the driving thrills, Porsche Ice Experience is also about kicking back, enjoying fine dining, fireside conversations, and a genuine sense of camaraderie among fellow Porsche-loving participants and instructors.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
There’s a spa, a hot tub, a pool, and two sauna spaces for kicking back before a night on the town.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2025
Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
There’s nothing wrong with spending your vacation at the beach, on a shopping spree in Paris or New York, or kicking back at a fishing cabin.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
And while a little luxury is always welcome, at its heart, Belize’s appeal lies in slowing down, kicking back, and enjoying simple pleasures, cocooned in nature.
—Gemma Price, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025
Expect appearances from local brewers, live music, games and food – plus lots of funnily dressed dogs kicking back after their big show.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
The Daily Dividend Earnings season is kicking back into high gear.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
The Book Club films that allowed audiences one last chance to savor this delightful movie star kicking back and letting her charisma carry a picture.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
In addition to all the driving thrills, Porsche Ice Experience is also about kicking back, enjoying fine dining, fireside conversations, and a genuine sense of camaraderie among fellow Porsche-loving participants and instructors.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
There’s a spa, a hot tub, a pool, and two sauna spaces for kicking back before a night on the town.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicking back
Verb
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This can raise resting heart rate, increase weakness and fatigue, and reduce endurance—even during everyday activities, not just exercise.—
Katharine Gammon,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
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Dormant plants are alive but resting, while dead plants won’t recover and should be removed.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The food is also elevated a bit from the typical Mexican fare, making Perro Salado a great place for a date night, relaxing group dinner or anything in between.—
Will Richmond,
The Providence Journal,
14 Feb. 2026
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What does relaxing look like for an Olympic speedskater?—
Sean Nevin,
NBC news,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Kennamer said that Tuesday, after some sunny days, iguanas were waking up, basking and not compliant.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
4 Feb. 2026
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Velez and Rivera are still basking in a historic night for the artist at the Grammys.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In 2019, city employees began hanging about 500 trick-or-treat pumpkin buckets in the trees on Main Street every October.—
Elliott Harrell,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Oct. 2025
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Orion Nebula Those viewing from a dark sky location may also notice a blurry patch of light hanging about 5 degrees below Orion's belt.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The group didn’t know much at all about golf course development, turning to Google and ChatGPT to figure out the footprint of an average golf course, and kicking around ideas amongst themselves about who to call about design and architecture.—
Erik Matuszewski,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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Near where Cuin and Thiane were kicking around, Berkeley resident Marcelio Ramos banged his drum in preparation for the first draw.—
Mathew Miranda
December 5,
Sacbee.com,
5 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The contrast piping detail gives it something structured for the lounging expert, and takes the robe from being a symbol of laziness to a symbol of sustained self-care.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
2 Feb. 2026
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The pieces are made of a soft, wrinkle-resistant material that’s comfortable for traveling or lounging at home.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Practices and games begin in January and expose players to harsh weather and unnecessary injuries while fans watch games in bone-chilling cold or do not attend at all.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Feb. 2026
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Of course the main lobby restaurant, Le Jardin, which has icy buckets chilling wine and the near-constant scent of truffles in the air during its 24-hour service, is always packed.—
Megan Spurrell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Baseball owners, with Dick Monfort playing a prominent role as a hawk in labor negotiations, are expected to lock out the players after this season, seeking a salary cap, believing that is the only reason the Dodgers win.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
12 Feb. 2026
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Back in 2013, Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez tore a ligament in his thumb while playing for the Dominican Republic.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kicking back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicking%20back. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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