1
as in to chill
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
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 relax
Mitchell, who reportedly moved to Florida from Long Island, is accused of then perusing the store’s snack aisle and relaxing on patio furniture before paying for his items and exiting the premises.
—
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 12 June 2025
With a calendar full of live music and other nightly events, the resort provides convivial ways to relax after a day of travel.
—Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 11 June 2025
The lounge is outfitted with a luxurious sofa to relax in.
—Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
Tusk had promised to relax both bans, but they are supported by some of the more socially conservative lawmakers propping up his government, and the threat of a presidential veto likely renders any efforts at persuasion futile.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for relax
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 12 June 2025
With a calendar full of live music and other nightly events, the resort provides convivial ways to relax after a day of travel.
—Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 11 June 2025
The lounge is outfitted with a luxurious sofa to relax in.
—Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
Tusk had promised to relax both bans, but they are supported by some of the more socially conservative lawmakers propping up his government, and the threat of a presidential veto likely renders any efforts at persuasion futile.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for relax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax
Verb
-
After baking, chilling them in the fridge for an hour locks in moisture and gives them a dense, chewy texture.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
6 June 2025
-
Limoncello, a lemon liqueur made from zest and sugar, has long been served chilled after meals.—
Rachel King,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
Stir in chicken stock and wine, scraping bottom of pan to loosen any browned bits.—
Ann Taylor Pittman,
Southern Living,
5 June 2025
-
The ruling Wednesday evening marked the latest setback for Apple in its long-running legal battle with Epic Games, which first sued the iPhone maker in 2020 in an attempt to force Apple to loosen its grip on purchases in apps that utilize its iOS operating system.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
Does this mean the Jets draft well and the Panthers are free-agent poachers, basking in Floridian sunshine?—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
-
Baseball Cap With so many European cities basking in strong sun and very little shade, a cap helps protect your scalp and face from the sun.—
Gregory Robinson,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2025
Verb
-
Hang it between trees or on a hammock stand to unwind outside all summer.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
4 June 2025
-
Add on treatments such as a Omorovicza facial or a full body massage to completely unwind.—
Felicity Carter,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
Orlando rested its best offensive weapons after their return from international duty, opting to save them for the second half instead.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 June 2025
-
The victory put to rest the bad memories of her 2022 French Open final loss to Iga Swiatek when, as an 18-year-old, Gauff felt overwhelmed even before stepping onto Court Philippe-Chatrier.—
Jerome Pugmire,
Baltimore Sun,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
With this new venture, the anchor is charging full steam ahead and not worrying about how to decompress from the constant news cycle.—
Stephanie Guerilus,
People.com,
2 June 2025
-
Here, cops can decompress after a stressful event or take a brief time-out during a draining shift.—
Katja Ridderbusch,
NPR,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relax. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share