1
as in to unwind
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
she took deep breaths to relax before going on stage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to bask
to refrain from labor or exertion
I just want to kick back and relax after mowing that huge lawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of relax
Magnesium helps blood vessels relax and pump blood more efficiently.
—
Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 18 June 2026
The women’s assortment spans slim, straight, kick flare, boyfriend wide leg and relaxed straight fits made with stretch denim to 100 percent cotton chore jackets and overalls.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 18 June 2026
If caught in a rip current, relax and float.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026
The dishes show precise technique, seasonal ingredients, and just enough creativity to keep the atmosphere relaxed.
—Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for relax
Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 18 June 2026
The women’s assortment spans slim, straight, kick flare, boyfriend wide leg and relaxed straight fits made with stretch denim to 100 percent cotton chore jackets and overalls.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 18 June 2026
If caught in a rip current, relax and float.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026
The dishes show precise technique, seasonal ingredients, and just enough creativity to keep the atmosphere relaxed.
—Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for relax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax
Verb
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Ice bags and cold towels may make players feel cooler, but experts say briefly chilling a small patch of skin does not necessarily pull much heat from the body’s core.—
Chris Stokel-Walker,
Scientific American,
19 June 2026
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Her picks include a large grill that can handle food for a crowd, a rolling ice chest that keeps dozens of drinks chilled for the party and a handy, convertible picnic table and bench that's ideal for smaller spaces.—
Kelsey Legg,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
Verb
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In another gun rights case, the justices may loosen a federal law aimed at keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous or irresponsible people.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
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This will loosen the soil a bit and make sure your plants are well hydrated.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Plant yourself along the two miles of pristine white sand beaches, bask in the butterfly garden, or explore the 28 miles of trails and the nature center.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
17 June 2026
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Fans also basked in the outcome, with objectively much more difficult scenarios — on paper, anyway — avoided.—
Tom Bogert,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, adults can unwind at the spa, fitness center, adults-only pool, or Miramar Bar.—
Chelsea Adams,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
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Amirhosein Khorgooi | Reuters Early signs that the Strait of Hormuz is reopening have eased the most acute threat to global energy supplies, but economic damages from the nearly four months of war will take months to unwind, analysts warned.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
Verb
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The squad is resting at the hotel.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
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Part of that is because their resting heart rate is 12 years old.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Kids can burn off energy in the Pineapple Paradise water play area or find a quiet place to pause, decompress and reset in the Mussel Beach rest area.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
16 June 2026
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Local groups Sin Tope and Making Movies performed on the festival’s main stage, giving fans a chance to decompress and have some fun, rather than stressing about their favorite team.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
Verb
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Kailee and Mike Higgs, Harry’s dad, and a tight pack of friends and family set off toward the grandstands next to Shinnecock’s 18th green to watch the second round wind down.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
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The few retailers left inside the mall, including anchor tenant JCPenney, fought to stay open, telling a Cook County judge this spring that a quick shutdown was unnecessary and wouldn’t leave enough time to wind down their businesses in an orderly manner.—
Brian J. Rogal,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2026
Verb
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Picturesque lake towns like Greenville and Naples are ideal destinations for water sports, boating adventures, or just chilling out on sandy shores.—
Erinne Magee,
Travel + Leisure,
8 June 2026
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And The Log House is perfectly situated for a family or a group of friends who want to escape the city for a bit, explore the area, and chill out in the woods.—
Damian Fallon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relax. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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