RELAX Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

relax

verb

ri-ˈlaks

Definition of relax

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

tense (up)

as in to loosen

to make less taut relax the rope a bit so I can pick up the slack and tie this knot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Some reported magnetic order, unusual Hall effects, and efficient spin-charge conversion, while others found no evidence of magnetism in bulk crystals or relaxed thin films. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026 In addition to relaxing on the boat, the celebrity besties were also photographed taking a dip in the ocean and engaging in water sports. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 This article originally included the incorrect year for a previous incident in which Morocco allegedly relaxed border controls. — Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026 Others rush from activity to activity, leaving little time to relax together as a family, sleep, or just sit and read a good book. — Brennan Barnard, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax

Verb

Shake for five seconds to briefly chill and mix flavors, then pour ice and liquid into a tall glass.

— Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026
Three four-legged friends chilled along the Hudson River at the Hertz Gold Squad Hangout, clearly enjoying being petted by concert-goers taking in the music.

— Lori Majewski, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026

Definition of chill

Verb

Combine the hot pasta with the sauce, loosening with splashes of reserved pasta water until every noodle is coated.

— Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026
Cuba’s government had already made moves to loosen restrictions on private industry over the last few decades.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026

Definition of loosen

Verb

And in the museum’s quiet moments in between, Hellerstein’s made a habit of going into the Ebbets Field room, turning off the ceiling light, and basking in the glow of the orbs in baseball’s most famous rotunda.

— Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 30 July 2026
Perez basked in the spotlight after setting the franchise mark with his 318th career home run.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026

Definition of bask

Verb

But the unexpected, undeniable centerpiece is their backyard’s strikingly lush, drought-tolerant native lawn that invites people and pets alike to unwind.

— Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
In Japan, where a historic bathing ritual has long been a part of how people unwind there, saunas are being added to onsens.

— Winston Ross, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of unwind

Verb

The camp's primary purpose is to provide presidents a place to rest, relax and recharge.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Without Lionel Messi’s participation in the contest — due to an agreement between the MLS and MLS Players Association to allow certain World Cup players to rest without penalty — the league needed another star to step up.

— Kamran Nia July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026

Definition of rest

Verb

Because vacation is about decompressing and disconnecting from daily life—not about worrying what’s going on at home.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
The 'why' behind airline safety rules Local Greek media reported that a piece of the engine had broken off and that debris smashed the window, quickly decompressing the cabin, which led to part of Karović's body being sucked out of the window.

— Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 14 July 2026

Definition of decompress

Verb

Moving forward, the market is closely watching how much longer airlines can pass these costs onto consumers once the peak summer travel season winds down.

— , CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
With time winding down ahead of Monday’s trade deadline, the Red Sox continue to look for more offense and pitching.

— Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of wind down

Browse Nearby Words

relaunching

relax

relaxant

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relax. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of relax

verb

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